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Computer peripherals industry

Philanthropist William Wrigley Dies at 66, Leaves Behind $20 Million Pledge to USC and Environmental Conservation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

University of Southern California trustee William Wrigley, chairman of the Wrigley Company and a prominent philanthropist, passed away on March 8 at 66 due to pneumonia in Chicago. In a remarkable display of generosity, Wrigley had announced plans to donate $5 million to the USC Wrigley Institute of Environmental Studies, bringing his total support to $15 million. A devoted steward of the Wrigley family's 80-year-old interest in Santa Catalina Island, Wrigley is survived by his wife and three children.

Key Takeaways:

  • William Wrigley, a prominent philanthropist and USC trustee, passed away due to pneumonia at 66.
  • Wrigley had pledged $5 million to the USC Wrigley Institute of Environmental Studies, bringing his total support to $15 million.
  • The Wrigley family has maintained a significant interest in Santa Catalina Island for 80 years.
  • DaimlerChrysler AG awarded $200,000 in grants to community groups in Fresno and six other U.S. cities to prevent drivers who run red lights.
  • The grants will be used for public education, law enforcement, and new equipment.
  • Drivers who ignore red lights are responsible for more than 1 million crashes at U.S. intersections every year, resulting in thousands of fatalities and around 250,000 injuries.
  • The Marine Corps plans to spend $400 million on information technology, with top officials from companies like CISCO Systems and 3Com Corp. advising on budgeting.
  • A consortium of 27 cities and water agencies has agreed to spend more than $5 million to protect endangered animals and plants along a 44-mile pipeline.
  • The agreement will provide up to $5.5 million for habitat acquisition or other measures to protect vulnerable species.

Statistics:

  • William Wrigley was 66 years old at the time of his passing.
  • The Wrigley Company has maintained an interest in Santa Catalina Island for 80 years.
  • DaimlerChrysler AG has awarded $200,000 in grants to community groups in seven U.S. cities.
  • Drivers who ignore red lights are responsible for more than 1 million crashes at U.S. intersections every year.
  • Around 250,000 people are injured in red light-running crashes annually.
  • The Marine Corps plans to spend $400 million on information technology.
  • A consortium of 27 cities and water agencies has agreed to spend over $5 million to protect endangered animals and plants.

Sources:

  • LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI)
  • AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 10 (UPI)
  • WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI)
  • LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI)
  • Copyright 1999 by United Press International. All rights reserved. News Provided by COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)

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