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Estate of Late Philanthropist Announces Support for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
WASHINGTON DC – The estate of the late Richard ‘Ric’ W. Weiland, announced on Monday the creation of a $46-million endowment to be managed by the Seattle-based Pride Foundation. The money, which aims to support charities and organizations within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, includes an $800,000 bequest to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).
“Ric Weiland has given generously to SLDN since May 1996. We are honored that he followed our work and recognized, as we do, that being gay should not be an obstacle to Americans who want to join the military.” said SLDN’s executive director Aubrey Sarvis. “His philanthropy has allowed us to pursue our mission of working towards repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” while continuing to provide free legal services to military personnel affected by the law which bans lesbians, gays and bisexuals from serving in the military.”
One of Microsoft's first employees, Ric Weiland died in June 2006 at the age of fifty-three, leaving behind explicit instructions for the dispersal of his estate. His $800,000 bequest to SLDN will be dispensed over the course of eight years, ensuring that the organization receives approximately $25,000 quarterly, or $100,000 a year, for the life of the gift.
“We are saddened by the loss of Ric and our hearts go out to his partner Mike, his family and friends,” continued Sarvis. “But with the continued support of his estate, SLDN is working for the day when Ric’s dream of social justice and equality for all is made real and patriotic Americans are finally allowed to serve their country regardless of their sexual orientation.”
