Percy Ross

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Percy Ross (November 22, 1916 - November 14, 2001) was an American self-made multi-millionaire.

Ross was best known for his philanthropy, particularly through his "Thanks a Million" newspaper column, where he would often grant requests for readers in need. "Thanks a Million" ran in over 800 publications and ran for 17 years. It eventually became a syndicated radio show and ran on over 400 radio stations. From the column and shows, he gave away an estimated USD$20 to $30 million over a period of 17 years. This is not as uncommon as it seems as most wealthy people do donate their riches to a variety of reasons, not limited to but including tax concerns.

Ross has been criticized for using his wealth as a soap-box to air his Christian-Judeo ethics^{[citation needed]}. He only gave money away after he judged the person worthy. If not, he gave advice, sometimes in the form of stern criticism.

Ross was born and raised in Laurium, Michigan on the Keewenaw Peninsula of Michigan's upper peninsula, about 10 miles from Michigan Technological University.