BLAND MELINDA GATES DIGITAL AGE PHIL ANTHROPISTS However they are better known today for their philanthropic contributions Since before the establishment of their charitable organization the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation they have worked hard to help make a difference in the lives of people around the world Bill and Melinda's influences on our modern society are almost too numerous to list Their charitable natures were fostered by their families On the website for their foundation Bill and Melinda say Both the Gates and Melinda French families instilled the values of volunteerism and civic engagement Our families believed that if life happens to bless you you should use those gifts as well and as wisely as you can Bill and Melinda Gates have certainly lived by that principle 6
CHAPTER 1 GROWING UP ill s groundbreaking computer and software innovations have helped make M Microsoft a leader in computer technology However it is the couple s philanthropic endeavors that stand out Since their marriage Bill and Melinda Gates have become leaders in charitable efforts worldwide HELLO BILL Bill Gates was born on October 28 1955 William and Mary Gates gave their son a regal sounding name William Henry Gates III They didn't know their son would go on to become a king of computer innovation Bill grew up in Seattle Washington with older sister Kristianne and younger sister Libby Intelligence and a drive to succeed are common traits in Bill s family His great grandfather on his father's side moved from Seattle to Alaska to become a gold prospector but later returned to Seattle and started a furniture business Bill s father was the first person in the family to
BILL AND MELINDA GATES DIGITAL AGE PHILANTHROPISTS college He became a successful lawyer and was the assistant city attorney for Bremerton Washington His father s strong work ethic influenced young Bill James Maxwell Bill's grandfather on his mother s side founded the National City In this photograph from 2002 Bill Gates Sr Nelson Mandela and former U S president Jimmy Carter visit a clinic near Johannesburg South
GROWING UP Bank of Seattle The Maxwells used their position in society to fund charities and social organizations They both volunteered for numerous causes including the Children's Orthopedic Hospital and the United Way Their charitable efforts had a lasting effect on Bill The Gates family was competitive even with each other Bill learned and excelled at the card game bridge at a young age His grandmother who taught him to play called him Trey which is a card term for three She taught him to think smart whether it was in a game of Monopoly bridge or homework QUICK FACT Bill s father's full name was originally William Henry Gates III However he changed III to Jr when he joined the army So Bill is really William Henry Gates
