Sunday, July 02, 2006

STLtoday - News - NewsWatch-Buffett donation puts spotlight on philanthropy

STLtoday - News - NewsWatch: "Buffett donation puts spotlight on philanthropy
By Bill Smith
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/02/2006

Fred Saigh was no Warren Buffett. When the former owner of the baseball Cardinals died seven years ago at the age of 94, the natty little St. Louisan with the heart of gold left $70 million to charity, mere pocket change compared to the estimated $31 billion that Buffett said last week he will donate to Bill and Melinda Gates' already flush Seattle foundation.

While Buffett hopes his fortune may one day change the world - eradicating hunger or discovering a vaccine for AIDS - Saigh's dreams were simpler, says JoAnn Hejna, his longtime assistant and friend who now manages the Clayton-based foundation that bears his name.

'He wanted to help the children of St. Louis,' she said.

'And that is exactly what he's doing.' "

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