Front and Center

Doris Buffett, the ‘best retail philanthropist,’ brightens lives by giving back
Doris Buffett may have a famous last name, but the name that best describes her is The Sunshine Lady.

Passionate, enthusiastic, and energetic, Ms. Buffett founded The Sunshine Lady Foundation, Inc., in 1996, and continues to lead the private family foundation with gusto. Through her personal involvement and hands-on guidance, the foundation helps countless individuals with “a hand up, not a hand out.”

Q: Where did the name of your foundation come from?
A: I once gave some money anonymously to a bank president to help someone and somehow through that gift I became known as the Sunshine Lady. I like the idea of bringing sunshine into the lives of others.

Q: What’s the foundation’s objective?
A: We help people who have had a run of bad luck – that can happen to any of us at any minute. We work with people who need help. I say, “Here’s the deal. We’ll do this and you do that,” and we become partners for change.

I have many “Sunbeams” who work for me. They each get $10,000 a year to put towards worthwhile projects. It’s a great deal of responsibility, but they grow into it and accept it gracefully. They understand that I want to invest in people, not symphonies, operas, or ballets. We don’t build empires or big, fancy buildings.

Q: How have your father, Howard, and your brother, Warren, influenced you?
A: With their integrity and generosity. Those virtues are so important. We were lucky to be raised with solid, Midwestern values. We learned right from wrong. We weren’t part of the “me” generation. I have good ideas, good common sense, and I’m practical. It’s easy to write checks, but you have to care. My brother gave me my highest compliment when he told Bono that I am the best retail philanthropist he knows – which means I really care about how people feel.

Q: Who else has been an influence in your life?
A: Josephine, a housewife in Colorado, who once helped me. When I asked how I could repay her, she said by helping someone else. That made such an impression on me and has been the guiding force in my life.

And, a fisherman’s wife in Cape Carteret, NC. She didn’t have much money but wanted to help a safe house for women. So she visited the house and, after seeing what food was there, went through her cookbooks to see what could be made from the food that was available. She then taught the women how to cook – that was her way of giving back.

Q: How do you accomplish so much?
A: I’m a cheerleader. I can get people to work well together. It’s a team effort and you have to march down the field together.

I have great help, like the Sunbeams. And, I have people like Posey and Carolyn who are readers. They’re helping with the 4,000 letters that we’re answering for my brother, Warren Buffett.

Q: What advice do you give women?
A: Do something you’re passionate about, even if it’s not always easy. Take personal responsibility for your decisions. Make wise choices about money, and plan for retirement. I used to have an envelope for each bill – groceries, electricity, etc. I didn’t buy anything I couldn’t pay for.

Q: What’s been one of your most treasured gifts?
A: My former son-in-law gave me a life-time guarantee to be a grandmother to his child. That is a precious relationship. If you’re a grandmother, sit down and read books with your grandchildren and take them on trips to see historical places. If they don’t know our history, they won’t value it. Help them develop a sense that people are different, but it’s OK, they’re still good people.

Q: With whom would you like to have dinner?
A: Abe Lincoln because we share a birthday and because he was honest and courageous. He had a big job of keeping us together. Any of our founding fathers and Abigail and John Adams. Beverly Sills because she had so much talent and was not grandiose. And, my grandson, Alexander, because he would understand how important this dinner was to me and would get so much out of it.

Q: Is there a day that stands out as one of your best?
A: My recent 80th birthday was the best one yet. I’m able to do what fits my nature and have some talent for – it’s good mental exercise. I’m going full-tilt and I’m in the prime of my life!

Q: What draws you to the idea of giving back?
A: It’s the joy of it. It’s the wonderful letters of thanks I get. It’s seeing the achievements and goals people can reach if they just get a little help.

If you can make a difference, do so.

Life is all about the satisfaction of seeing lives improve. Giving back is a thrill and restores my faith in humanity.

When the time comes, I want my tombstone to read “She made a difference.”

You too can give back by donating to the RNA Foundation. Send tax-deductible contributions to 230 16th St., Rock Island, IL 61201.