Percy Ross

Percy Ross – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Percy Ross (1916–2001) was an American entrepreneur turned flamboyant philanthropist. Explore his life, rise in business, the “Thanks a Million” column, his giving philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Percy Nathan Ross (born November 22, 1916 – died November 10, 2001) was an American businessman and philanthropist best known for giving away millions through his syndicated column “Thanks a Million.” While his wealth began in plastics and auctions, his public legacy revolves around generosity, spectacle, and the tension between showy giving and quiet charity.

Early Life and Family

Percy Ross was born in Laurium, Michigan, on November 22, 1916.

He graduated from Calumet High School in 1934.

Ross’s upbringing instilled in him a drive to escape poverty and to respond to requests for help—a combination that later shaped his public persona as a “giving millionaire.”

Youth, Early Ventures, and Business Career

After high school, Ross moved around seeking opportunity. He worked in the fur and metal business in Duluth, Minnesota, and in the 1930s was active in trading minks and muskrats. Ross & Ross Auctioneers in Minnesota.

However, these ventures were volatile. In one notable episode (1951), Ross was offered a $25,000 bad check by a vendor, which pushed him toward bankruptcy.

In 1959, Ross purchased a struggling plastics company, Poly-Tech, which manufactured polyethylene plastic bags.

By 1969, Poly-Tech had grown substantially, and Ross sold it for $8 million.

With his wealth, Ross dabbled in various ventures—real estate, Broadway, oil well projects, and more—though none overshadowed his lasting fame as a public giver.

Philanthropy: “Thanks a Million” and Public Giving

The Birth of Public Generosity

Ross’s transition into philanthropy was dramatic. On December 24, 1977, he staged a Christmas event in Minneapolis in which he gave 1,050 bicycles to underprivileged children. He later referred to himself as the “Jewish Santa Claus.”

He followed with more conspicuous gifts: in 1978, as part of a local parade, he threw $16,500 in silver dollars from a convertible at the crowd.

Such dramatic giving created a reputation: Ross was not just giving money—he was staging generosity. Some saw this as self-promotion as much as charity.

The Column & Radio Show

In March 1983, Ross launched a syndicated newspaper column called “Thanks a Million.” 800 newspapers across the U.S.

In the 1980s–90s, Ross also hosted a radio version of “Thanks a Million” syndicated on about 400 stations.

He asked readers to send letters requesting help; his staff sifted through thousands to select a few deserving ones—often for small but meaningful sums (e.g. $200–$2,000).

Over his philanthropic years, Ross claimed to have given away $20 to $30 million.

His last column was published on September 19, 1999.

Philosophy & Criticism

Ross refused to fund rent, utilities, medical bills, or credit card debt. He said he preferred giving help that empowered rather than maintained dependency.

He also rejected many requests outright, often with colorful responses.

One local critic labeled his giving “self-promoting and a bit vulgar.” Others saw value: Ross made giving accessible, visible, and personal.

Historical & Social Context

• Ross’s philanthropy emerged in the 1970s–80s, a time when American social safety nets and public welfare debates were under strain.

• His brand of public generosity coincided with rising media influence: newspapers, TV, and radio extended his reach.

• Ross’s immigrant background, entrepreneurial risk, and public giving echoed themes of the self-made man and American generosity—yet wrapped in spectacle.

• His approach contrasted with more institutional philanthropy (foundations, endowments), reflecting a more personal, immediate form of giving.

Legacy and Influence

Percy Ross remains a controversial figure in philanthropic history. His influence and legacy include:

1. Popular Awareness of Personal Giving: He demonstrated that generous acts didn’t require institutions—they could be direct, visceral, and media-savvy.

2. Tension Between Show and Substance: His career raises enduring questions: Is public giving less noble? How much is giving for attention?

3. Empowering Small Gifts: Many recipients got modest sums that made tangible difference in their lives (roof repair, tools, school supplies).

4. Accessible Philanthropy Model: He inspired individuals to think of giving not just as large endowments but as repeated small acts.

5. Archival Legacy: His papers, correspondence, and press materials are preserved at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Personality and Traits

• Flamboyant & Showman: Ross loved spectacle—parades, silver dollars, parties. He embraced attention.

• Generous but Disciplined: He had rules about what he would and would not pay for.

• Empathetic but Pragmatic: His giving was filtered by his judgment about what was worthy or productive.

• Resilient & Entrepreneurial: He built fortunes, lost them, and built again.

• Narrative-Focused: He deliberately shaped his story, positioning himself as “America’s Rich Uncle” or “Blue-Collar Millionaire.”

Famous Quotes of Percy Ross

Here are several statements attributed to Percy Ross:

• “He who gives while he lives also knows where it goes.”

• “I'm having a ball, the time of my life.”

• “You have given me so much over the years. In many respects, I'm far richer today than when I started.”

• On rejecting requests: “Sorry, but I don’t intend to help you … suture self.” (to a medical student asking for funds)

These quotes illustrate his combination of generosity, blunt honesty, and showmanship.

Lessons from Percy Ross

From Ross’s life and career, we can draw multiple lessons:

1. Giving Can Be Part of Identity: Ross made philanthropy central to how he was known, not just what he did.

2. Small Acts Matter: Even modest gifts have tangible impact and human dignity.

3. Boundaries in Generosity: Ross refused certain kinds of aid—and defined his giving scope intentionally.

4. Public vs. Private Good: The balance between giving privately and publicly is delicate and loaded.

5. Reinvention & Risk: Ross made and lost fortunes but kept reinventing himself and his public role.

Conclusion

Percy Ross remains a striking figure: part entrepreneur, part philanthropist, part showman. His path from humble origins to millionaire, and then to a giver who shared his wealth publicly and dramatically, is one that stirs admiration and skepticism alike.

While not universally celebrated, his life invites reflection: How do we give? Why do we give? To whom? His story encourages ambitious generosity, grounded in purpose and integrity—and aware of the pitfalls of spectacle.

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