Warren Buffett is my hero. He always has been and always will be. My son Nathan and I met Warren ten years ago at a Coca Cola shareholders' meeting. Warren was on the Board of Directors for Coke. Nathan, twelve years old at the time, was a shareholder and decided to attend the meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, as he knew how crazy I was about Buffett. And I still am!

Nathan stuck out at the meeting, being the only minor in the room. After the meeting CEO Roberto Goizueta and Warren Buffett spoke privately with Nathan. The conversation made a big impact on my son (detailed story for a future post).

Move the clock forward ten years. In June of 2006, the second richest man in the world, Warren Buffett, donated $30.7 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This single act, the largest charitable contribution ever, is making a big impact on philanthropy. Buffett's donation sets the standard. More and more wealthy people are following Buffett's action - giving in large numbers.

Warren Buffett, you are my person of the year for 2006! Ten years ago you made a big impact on my son (now employed by a Wall Street firm), and you are making a huge impact on the world of philanthropy.

Thank you.

Pierre Cutler
The Sacramento Executive