T. Denny Sanford, South Dakota’s best-known billionaire and philanthropist, has died at the age of 90.
Sanford’s death was announced Saturday by Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen. A self-made businessman who built First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, Sanford became one of the state’s most influential donors, giving nearly $1 billion to Sanford Health and millions more to education, healthcare and community projects.
Sanford was also a member of the Giving Pledge, committing to give away most of his fortune during his lifetime.
His legacy is expected to be defined by his transformational charitable giving across South Dakota and beyond.
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