As our experiment suggests, feelings of gratitude are explained by how much more we value our benefactor.
She was a benefactor to several non-profits, but especially valued the Authors Guild, of which she was a member since 1977.
The sculptures, valued at some $40 million, were a gift from John and Mary Pappajohn, two local art collectors and benefactors.
An individual benefactor might endow a community with a library: Pliny the Younger gave the city of Comum a library valued at 1 million sesterces, along with another 100,000 to maintain it.
Countess Bismarck in recent years became a benefactor of the Smithsonian, and the institution was not surprised when it was notified that the Mona Bismarck Foundation wanted to discuss with it the disposition of her estate, valued at $30 million.
Another way that being an English graduate from Duke has helped me is that I am a benefactor of the value of the degree.
For instance, according to current law, the estate (and its beneficiaries) enjoy what is defined as "stepped-up basis", that means that the tax value of the assets inherited is the market value at the time of the benefactor's death, and not the actual cost basis.
And given the looming introduction of financial fair play rules, there is also the entirely legitimate question of how much value there now is in a benefactor with deep pockets (an argument well summarised by Forbes).
The grain dole also had symbolic value: it affirmed both the emperor's position as universal benefactor, and the right of all citizens to share in "the fruits of conquest".
Even if a rich benefactor came their way, one imagines the Mariners would hesitate about the value of a marquee recruit if the cost is more than just financial.
Guide, Benefactor and Hon.
