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Florida Trend's Floridian of the Year
Fla. Newsmakers of 2009
People who made an impact in business, economy, science, environment, government, education, sports, philanthropy, media and our fallen soldiers.
Philanthropy
The most notable philanthropists aren't always the biggest givers or those who end up with their names on buildings. In 2009, two low-key Florida residents exemplified the best motives and displayed the most generosity relative to their means. Both men lived simple lives but displayed extraordinary generosity as they neared death.
» Lawrence E. Ruf
Lawrence E. Ruf [Photo: AP] |
The money began arriving in the latter half of 2009 — at a time when it was particularly needed. "All the non-profits are hurting," Howard says. "Contributions are down. Needs are up."
Ruf's money, which will be doled out in annual increments to each charity, came as a "pleasant surprise" because many of the non-profits had already set their budgets, Howard says. For Bradenton's Hope Family Services, the money meant an endowment fund that the domestic violence shelter didn't have the money to start otherwise. At State College of Florida, the money enabled students in the dental hygiene program to clean the teeth of needy children for free. Other groups that benefited include Manatee County Habitat for Humanity and the Manasota Lighthouse for the Blind.
"He was a caring man," Howard says. "It was important to him to do good."
Jack Wilkinson [Photo: Gainesville Sun] |
In June, Jack Wilkinson, a 96-year-old former math teacher and peanut farmer, announced he would leave $2.5 million to Central Florida Community College to build a permanent campus in Levy County. Wilkinson died three months later. In announcing his gift, he explained that he didn't have a wife or children and didn't need the money that he had so carefully saved over the years. "It was a pleasure," he said, "to be able to give it for education."
Wilkinson, who earned his teaching certificate from the University of Florida, taught for 45 years in Levy County. He told the Gainesville Sun that in addition to his teaching salary and farm income, his frugal lifestyle allowed him to amass his fortune. "I lived a simple life," Wilkinson told the Sun. — Art Levy