Chuck Feeney
Chuck Feeney
Charles Francis "Chuck" Feeney is an Irish-American businessman and philanthropist and the founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies, one of the largest private foundations in the world. He made his fortune as a co-founder, with Robert Warren Miller, of the Duty Free Shoppers Group. The concept of "duty-free shopping"—offering high-end concessions to travelers, free of import taxes—was in its infancy when, along with Miller, Feeney founded DFS on November 7, 1960. DFS began operations in Hong Kong, later expanding to Europe...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBusinessman
Date of Birth23 April 1931
CountryUnited States of America
I believe strongly in 'giving while living.' I see little reason to delay giving when so much good can be achieved through supporting worthwhile causes today.
There are restaurants you can go in and pay $100 a person for a meal. I get as much satisfaction out of paying $25.
They decided as part of my 75th birthday celebrations that I would be entitled to fly first class. I'll be honest, I'm not good at flying anymore. To my credit, I can stretch out on two coach seats.
When you've got the money, you spend it. When you've spent it all, let someone else get going and spend theirs.
I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living.... Interventions have greater value and impact today than if they are delayed.
I set out to work hard, not to get rich.
On why he has donated $600 million to selected charities. I simply decided I had enough money.
There is nothing wrong with a big bet, if a big bet is a good bet.
I’m happy when what I’m doing is helping people and unhappy when what I’m doing isn’t helping people.
There has to be a balance in life. A balance of business, family, and the opportunity to learn and teach.
I had one idea that never changed in my mind—that you should use your wealth to help people.
People used to ask me how I got my jollies, and I guess I'm happy when what I'm doing is helping people and unhappy when what I'm doing isn't helping people.
I believe that people of substantial wealth potentially create problems for future generations unless they themselves accept responsibility to use their wealth during their lifetime to help worthwhile causes.
I became convinced that there was greater satisfaction from giving my money away and seeing something come out of the ground, like a hospital or a university.