Memorial University – Stanford University

In 1884, Charles William Eliot, 21th president of Harvard University, was visited by parents of recently deceased son who died at the age of 16. Eliot received the sad couple and expressed his deepest condolences. In a conversation with him, the sad parents expressed a desire to establish some kind of fund in memory of their lost son.

- I assume that you have in mind an annual scholarship for the best students – said Charles William Eliot.

- Well, we thought of something more useful than that. Perhaps some building… - said the sad parents.

Eliot refused their kind offer telling them that although that would indeed be useful, it is too expensive investment. 

With tears in their eyes, the sad parents got out of his office.

After some time, Eliot was informed that a check worth $26 million was sent to Harvard. It was dedicated to a memory of Leland Stanford, Jr.

Thanks to that money, the famous Stanford University was founded. 

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Blue Blood – Alexander Korda

Alexander Korda (1893-1956), renowned British director and producer of Hungarian-Jewish origin, was knighted in 1942 because of his contribution to British cinema.

Shortly after that, Korda, who was a passionate gambler, won $10,000 playing poker with the famous American film producer Samuel Goldwyn. The next day Goldwyn sent a check to Korda, written in red ink, and a letter in which he wrote:

- Bloodsucker, I signed this check with my own blood!

Shortly afterwards, Korda played again poker with Goldwyn. This time the British director lost approximately the same amount of money that he previously won. The next day he sent a check to Goldwyn written with ordinary, blue ink, with a note:

"Bloodsucker, this check is signed in my blood to. Knight Korda.”

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