98-Year-Old Man Who Donated $2 Million In Stock For Wildlife Refuge Says Money Is To Do Good

98-year-old Russ Gremel has led a simple life, with no one knowing he was a millionaire the entire time. Until recently, that is, when the elderly man donated 2 million dollars to the 395-acre Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary to protect wetlands in Amboy, Illinois – so people could come out and enjoy nature the way he did as a kid. “I’m a very simple man,” says Gremel. “I never let anybody know I had that kind of money.”

Gremel grew up poor as his family lost everything after the 1929 stock market crash, so the man learned how to be happy and content with whatever he had from the early days.

Around 70 years ago, Gremel bought $1,007 of stock in Walgreens pharmacy chain. His brother advised him that people would always need medicine and women would buy make up, so it was a wise investment – and boy was he right. Over the years, the Walgreens chain has exploded, and is now worth more than $62 billion, making Gremel’s stocks worth $2 million.

Gremel never touched that money throughout this life until his recent generous donation to protect nature. “You have to do some good in this world,” says Gremel. “That’s what money is for.” Besides, the man claims he’s already had a “hell of a good life” without all that money.

(h/t: inhabitat)

98-year-old Russ Gremel has led a simple life, with no one knowing he was a millionaire the entire time

This 98-Year-Old Just Donated $2 Million In Stock To Create A 395-Acre Wildlife Refuge

Recently the elderly man donated 2 million dollars to the Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary to protect wetlands…

This 98-Year-Old Just Donated $2 Million In Stock To Create A 395-Acre Wildlife Refuge

So people could come out and enjoy nature the way he did as a kid

This 98-Year-Old Just Donated $2 Million In Stock To Create A 395-Acre Wildlife Refuge

“You have to do some good in this world… That’s what money is for”

This 98-Year-Old Just Donated $2 Million In Stock To Create A 395-Acre Wildlife Refuge

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What do you think ?

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Hans 7 years ago

Money cannot buy happiness, but if you are happy already, money may make the world a better place if wisely spent.

18points

Terry Jensen 7 years ago

that is a very true statement...I know some very wealthy people and they are most unhappy people I know and most of it is because they have long ago quit giving....nothing wrong with working hard or even inheriting money but to be able to give is the most important...always give back even if it isn't some huge donation...giving of yourself is the most important.

0points

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Yunyann See 7 years ago

You are right. See some friends of friends who live in big house, drive posh car and another house to rent out, yet they are still not happy. They keep worrying about their existing investments, looking out for better investments constantly.

0points