Writer, philanthropist Tracy Gary keynotes Biennial Forum on Philanthropy

Tracy Gary, an heir to the Pillsbury fortune and a noted philanthropist and writer, will be the keynote speaker and a facilitator for the Eighth Biennial Forum on Philanthropy, sponsored by the Women’s Philanthropy Council at the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Gary will speak at a noon luncheon Thursday, November 8, at the Memorial Union at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Gary is the founder of more than a dozen charities. She has given away nearly all of her inheritance, and she calls charity the "new American dream" because it is uniquely able to create change in the world. She co-wrote the best-selling book "Inspired Philanthropy: Creating a Giving Plan." A new, expanded edition, under the title of "Inspired Legacies," will be published this year.

In addition to giving the keynote address, Gary will help facilitate a "giving game" in which attendees, assisted by UW–Madison faculty, will focus on pressing issues and discuss why and how donors should be engaged in creating a new and better future. Among the areas to be covered are global health, a sustainable future, educating the whole person, the arts and humanities, international relations, women and leadership, and caring for the elderly.

Admission is $20 per person and includes lunch.

"I firmly believe that we, whether we are termed donors, advisors or simply citizens, can work together for mutual and personal advantage and for the public good," Gary says. "As donors and investors, we can do more with our money for ourselves and those we love. We can give more generously and with greater impact. I also believe that the nonprofits we support can work with us, not just as donors, but as leaders and human beings in our own right, with our own passion, vision and sense of direction."

Gary committed herself to philanthropy in her 20s. She has led efforts to save the environment, protect women and enhance opportunities for disenfranchised groups across America, not only as a donor, but also as an organizer and coalition builder.The Biennial Forum welcomes anyone who wants to make a difference, build community through charitable giving and help address the problems of society. The Women’s Philanthropy Council of the University of Wisconsin Foundation seeks to embolden donors to reach their full potential as philanthropists for the university and the world.

For more information or to register, contact Susan Sveum at the UW Foundation, susan.sveum@uwfoundation.wisc.edu, or at (608) 265-2215.