The man behind the gift

We were happy to hear yesterday that $100 million was being donated to the Baylor College of Medicine – a new record for the Texas Medical Center. The gift will be used on research and recruiting cancer specialists.

Who’s behind the donation? Dan L. Duncan of Houston. Still don’t know who he is? Many people don’t. He’s actually the wealthiest man in Houston, worth about $6 billion. Duncan is a self-made billionaire, building his fortunes through the energy company he founded.

Houstonist still can’t get over the $100 million amount. Makes us feel like chumps when we think about that measly charity donation we gave at the office a few months back. However, we did the math: Duncan’s donation is 1.6% of his net worth. To put that in comparison, let’s say your net worth is about $100,000 – a similar percentage donation for you would be $1,600. That still leaves you plenty of money to buy that 2007 Ford expedition you saw at the car show. Duncan's donation leaves him with enough to probably buy Ford.

Still, the massive donation is going to a great cause. Duncan is a prostate cancer survivor, and his donation will give Houston its second comprehensive cancer center.