No. 17: H.F. (Gerry) and Marguerite B. Lenfest

Gerry and Marguerite B. Lenfest Gerry and Marguerite B. Lenfest

February 6, 2012 | Read Time: 1 minute

Amount donated in 2011: $75-million

Biggest beneficiary: American Revolution Center

Other key beneficiary: Columbia University

Donors’ background: Mr. Lenfest founded Lenfest Communications, in Wilmington, Del. He sold the company to the Comcast Corporation in 2000.

Mr. Lenfest, 81, and his wife, Marguerite, 78, pledged $40-million to the American Revolution Center, at Valley Forge, in Wayne, Pa., for a building to house its collection, which has been exhibited at various historical sites. Mr. Lenfest is chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors.

The couple also pledged $30-million to Columbia University for a new arts complex, which will be named for the donors. The money will be paid over five years. Mr. Lenfest graduated from Columbia Law School in 1958 and serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.

The Lenfests also pledged $5-million to the Barnes Foundation, an art museum in Merion, Pa., and Philadelphia. The couple have paid $1-million toward the commitment. The remainder will be paid over the next four years.

—Maria Di Mento