March 2, 2015

Dear Warren:

Ruth and I are honored that you would ask us to join The Giving Pledge, committing at least half our net worth to charity. We are more than delighted to accept. The truth is, we intend to give all of it away and with the wonderful help of our son, John, have been well on our way for the past ten years.

We had the good fortune of Bill being the first employee of the Buffett Partnership starting in 1960 and continuing his business career at Berkshire Hathaway until retirement. What better way to show our appreciation for what that has meant to us and our children and grandchildren than to totally support this wonderful project of yours—The Giving Pledge.

Our decision to initiate our giving during our lifetime was a great one. Enriching the lives of others has been not only rewarding, but just plain FUN! And, the more we give, the more fun we have. At the latest, all of our wealth will be distributed to philanthropies within fifteen years following our deaths.

Ruth, a farm girl, likes to compare a “pile of money” to a “pile of manure.” Neither one does much good unless you spread it around! We enjoyed the “piling” but it’s the “spreading” that really turns us on.

Best regards,