By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New York City's billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg is one of 40 wealthy individuals and families who has pledged to donate more than 50 percent of their net worth to philanthropic causes.
The commitments were announced Wednesday by The Giving Pledge, which Warren Buffet, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, launched in June with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda.
The organization asked some of America's wealthiest people to donate at least half of their fortunes to charitable causes either before or after their deaths. Those who took the pledge also submitted personal letters about their commitment to give.
“If you want to do something for your children and show how much you love them, the single best thing — by far — is to support organizations that will create a better world for them and their children," Bloomberg said in his pledge letter, which was posted on the Giving Pledge's website. "And by giving, we inspire others to give of themselves, whether their money or their time."
The mayor did not indicate precisely what percentage of his wealth he would donate, but wrote that "nearly all of my net worth will be given away in the years ahead or left to my foundation."
Bloomberg joins the pledge with other prominent billionaires such as entertainment executive Barry Diller, "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, and investor Ronald Perelman.
