Our History

In the fall of 1997, Tom Lowe and Joe Selvaggio gathered a few "people of means" to discuss Claude Rosenberg, Jr.'s challenge to give not just from income, but from net worth. The idea was so well received, that by Thanksgiving of '97, the One Percent Club was launched with a front page story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Thirty people were brave enough to have their names publicly listed as members, and the rest is history.

Since its launch in 1997, the organization has grown from 30 members to over 1,000, and is still growing at about 12 members per month. Through member gatherings, national speaker events, newsletters, and personal stories of inspiration, the One Percent Club is helping even the very wealthy see that they can afford to give more without harming their ability to retire later or provide for their children.

About Tom and Joe

Tom Lowe is chairman of the Lyman Lumber Company, as well as a Twin Cities philantropist. Joe Selvaggio is a former director of the Project for Pride In Living, a Minneapolis organization that helps the poor.