Sam Zell: Billionaire Businessman and Philanthropist Dies at 81.

Sam Zell, a real estate tycoon and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 81. Zell, through his philanthropic Zell Family Foundation, donated millions annually to nonprofits, schools, and organizations throughout the Chicago area, with a strong commitment to the city's arts scene and education, including large donations to Jewish schools. The foundation reported $279 million in total assets in its 2020 tax filings, and donated more than $55 million to Chicago organizations and causes that year, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.