Business

Gates, Buffett solicit for charity

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are campaigning to get other American billionaires to give at least half their wealth to charity.

Billionaires urged to donate half their wealth

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and legendary investor Warren Buffett are campaigning to get other American billionaires to give at least half their wealth to charity. 

Former Gates Foundation CEO Patty Stonesifer said Wednesday that Gates and Buffett — the two wealthiest people in the United States, by most tallies — have been working for the past year to get others to donate the bulk of their wealth.

Warren Buffett has joined fellow billionaire Bill Gates in a campaign to get other American billionaires to give at least half their wealth to charity.

The friends and philanthropic colleagues are asking people to pledge to donate either during their lifetime or at the time of their death.

Stonesifer says a handful of billionaires approached so far have embraced the concept. 

Four wealthy couples have already announced their pledges, including Los Angeles philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad.