‘Town & Country’: Dot-Com Donors

By THOMAS J. BILLITTERI

Scott Oki, a former Microsoft executive, and his wife, Laurie, have emerged as two of the most influential young philanthropists in the United States, says Town & Country magazine (June).

Mr. Oki told Town & Country that an estimate of his wealth of about $750-million by Forbes magazine was “really inflated,” but he acknowledged that he had a “boatload of money.” What distinguishes the Okis, however, is the extent to which they are pouring their money and time into charitable pursuits, Town & Country says.

Mr. Oki serves on 27 non-profit boards, and his “most influential work” may turn out to be Social Venture Partners, a group that he founded with the software magnate Paul Brainerd to engage young entrepreneurs in philanthropy.

“In a small way, we’re setting an example for the newly formed wealth of this community,” Mr. Oki, 51, told the magazine. “It’s important to get involved in giving at an early age.”