Needy Kids, Perpetual Aid

In 1981 Entrepreneur Eugene Lang promised 61 Harlem sixth-graders he would pay their college costs if they stayed in school. As it turns out, he laid the seeds not only for their future education but also for a host of generous imitators around the country. The latest and perhaps largest benefactor is Avron Fogelman, a Memphis real estate developer and co-owner of the Kansas City Royals. Last week Fogelman, 47, announced he would subsidize tuition perpetually for disadvantaged Memphis-area public school students who go to Memphis State University. Fogelman has put up an initial $2.5 million, and will add some $2 million annually over ten years. The first beneficiaries will be current seventh-graders. To receive the assistance, needy students must, among other things, maintain passing grades and take part in some kind of public service activity. "We want to break the poverty cycle," says the donor. Philanthropically inclined tycoons, take note.