AEGiS-WashBlade: Ric Weiland leaves $65 million to support gay rights movement: Largest single bequest ever to LGBT causes

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Ric Weiland leaves $65 million to support gay rights movement: Largest single bequest ever to LGBT causes

Washington Blade - February 24, 2008

Ric Weiland, a Seattle man who helped launch Microsoft, has left $65 million to the Pride Foundation of Seattle. This is the largest single gift ever bestowed on the gay movement, according to a press release from Renna Communications.

Weiland committed suicide in 2006 at the age of 53. He is survived by his partner and several nieces and nephews.

"Ric was one of Pride Foundation's closest supporters, not just as a donor, but as a board member and volunteer," said Audrey Haberman, executive director of the Pride Foundation. "All of us feel such a tremendous loss with him gone. Ric's bequest will do what he always wanted-inspire others to give to the causes they care about to the full extent that they can."

Through his estate, Weiland established a fund at Pride Foundation that will provide $46 million over the next eight years to 10 national LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations that he personally selected. In addition, he bequeathed $19 million directly to Pride Foundation.

The following organizations will be receiving funding from the Weiland Designated Fund at Pride Foundation:

* amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research

* Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)

* Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

* In The Life

* International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)

* Lambda Legal

* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

* Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) * Project Inform

* Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

080224
WB080206

Copyright © 2008 - The Washington Blade. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of The Washington Blade content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of the Blade. The Washington Blade shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The Washington Blade.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .