Percy Ross was an American businessman and philanthropist who became widely recognized for his unique approach to charitable giving. Born and raised in Laurium, Michigan, Ross relocated to Minnesota in the late 1940s, where he initially worked with Ross and Ross Auctioneers. In 1959, he acquired Poly-Tech, a company specializing in polyethylene plastic bags, which laid the foundation for his substantial personal fortune.
Ross transitioned from corporate success to public philanthropy, most notably through his syndicated newspaper column, Thanks a Million. Over a seventeen-year run, the column appeared in more than 800 publications. In this forum, Ross interacted directly with his audience, reading letters from individuals in financial need and personally granting their requests. The concept eventually expanded into a syndicated radio program broadcast on over 400 stations across the United States.
Throughout his career as a public benefactor, Ross is estimated to have distributed between $20 million and $30 million to various individuals and causes. He maintained his philanthropic efforts until his death in Edina, Minnesota, in 2001, leaving behind a legacy defined by direct, media-driven charity.
