February 10, 2013 | Read Time: 1 minute
Amount donated in 2012: $30-million
Beneficiary: Harvard University
Background: Mr. O’Donnell founded the Boston Culinary Group, a food-service corporation, and other businesses.
The O’Donnells pledged $30-million to Harvard University, Mr. O’Donnell’s alma mater. The couple placed no restrictions on how the money should be used but requested that some of it be directed to financial aid.
The businessman earned a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in business administration from the university in 1967 and 1971, respectively. In 1986, the couple established the Joey Fund, a nonprofit that raises money for cystic-fibrosis patients and research. Their son died of the disease at age 12.
