We came across this article about a man who was trying to decide what he wanted to get his wife for her birthday and donated $2mm for a shelter in her name: http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/03/birthday-surprise-husband-builds-animal-shelter-in-wifes-name/
The shelter for Arizona and Animal Welfare League got a call from this philanthropic gentleman after he saw a news program about the shelter. It is the oldest no kill shelter in the state and had been saving roughly 3100 animals a year-a figure which is now poised to double. In an incredible act of generosity, John donated the $2mm and fundraisers raised another $1mm for the $3mm project. John managed to keep this two year project a surprise and brought his wife to the shelter on her 60th birthday.
While this is clearly an extraordinary act of philanthropy from this former investor, the example he is setting for others is equally important. I am curious to see if this will be an interesting trend where people start endowing large no-kill shelters the same way they do other big projects.