Philanthropic Heroes Persisted in 2008

Despite the economic downturn, the wealthiest Americans provided record gifts to charity in 2008.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that 16 people made gifts of $100 million or more last year. That is a 12 year record. Here are the top 10 gifts of 2008:

1. James LeVoy Sorenson made a bequest of $4.5 billion.
2. Peter G. Peterson and wife, Joan Ganz Cooney pledged $1 billion
3. Harold Alfond made a $360 million bequest.
4. David G. Booth, and wife Suzanne, pledged $200 million.
5. Donale B. Stabler, and wife Dorothy, made a bequest of $300 million.
6. Dorothy Clarke Patterson made a bequest of $225 million.
7. Helen L. Kimmel pledged $150 million.
8. Frank C. Doble gave a bequest of $136 million.
9. Frank C. Doble gave a second bequest of $136 million
10. Jeffrey S. Skoll gave $110.8 million.

Are there examples of outstanding gifts to your nonprofit in 2008 by donors who are outperforming despite the economy?