Business Week’s cover story this week is about America’s top philanthropists. Since I figured I’m personally a cause they could consider giving to, I figured I’d read it. Interesting two facts: of the 50 most generous philanthropists, the Wal-Mart family ranks tenth *but* what they have given accounts for just 1 percent of their net worth ($95 billion), the lowest percentage of anyone on the top 50 list (George Soros, by comparison, ranks 4th and has given 72 percent of his net worth).

Fact #2: In talking about Bill and Melinda Gates, the story says they made “history this year by giving their estimated $3 billion Microsoft Corp dividend to their foundation. It’s one of the largest donations in history by a living donor. To put it into perspective, that one gift is three times bigger than the amount that America’s richest family, the descendants of Wal-Mart Stores Inc founder Sam Walton, has given during their ***entire life-times***[emphasis added]. Besides the amazing nature of the facts of the comparison, I found it interesting that the business press would make that comparison.