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The Philanthropy 50: Americans Who Gave the Most in 2008
Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler
Rank: 5
Total amount committed in 2008: $334.2-million
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Source of wealth: Construction, Real estate
Other key beneficiary: Lehigh University
Donors' background: Mr. Stabler founded the Stabler Construction Company, in Harrisburg, Pa., in 1940. The company grew into the Stabler Companies, which included 13 subsidiaries involved in businesses like highway construction; quarrying of stone, sand, and gravel; concrete manufacturing; the manufacture, sale, and servicing of highway safety equipment; and real-estate development.
Mr. Stabler, who died in 1997 at the age of 89, and his wife, Dorothy, who died in 2005 at 90, left approximately $300-million to their private foundation, the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, in Harrisburg, and approximately $34.2-million to Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pa.
The Stablers created their family foundation in 1965 after their teenage daughter, Beverly, suffered traumatic head injuries in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. The grant maker supports colleges, hospitals, and other charities in central Pennsylvania.
The bequest to Lehigh, which is for an endowed scholarship fund, is the largest gift the university has ever received. The scholarship fund was set up by the Stablers in 1965 and is designed to support in perpetuity Lehigh students who demonstrate financial need.
Mr. Stabler earned a bachelor's degree in 1930 and a master's degree in 1932 from Lehigh, both in civil engineering. He also received an honorary degree from the institution. He was a member of the university's Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, serving as a corporate member and as a chairman of the development committee. He had also served as president of Lehigh's alumni association.
About These Data
The giving figures listed for each individual are based on donations announced to date by the donors or their beneficiaries. In cases of bequests, most of the figures are estimates because the wills have not been settled. For news of gift announcements in 2009, visit the America's Top Donors database.
If you know about a recent gift of $1-million or more that should be added to this directory, please send a message to gifts@philanthropy.com.