Woman's secret Santa turns out to be Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates

December 19, 2013 - 4:36 PM

SEATTLE - One woman's secret Santa this holiday season turned out to be one of the richest men in the world: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

The gift exchange happened through the website Reddit's secret Santa event, in which users swap presents across the country.

A spokesman for Gates confirmed he participated. Spokesman John Pinette says the billionaire philanthropist wanted to engage with Reddit's community and promote Heifer International, a foundation that provides seeds and animals to people in need in the developing world.

The woman, identified only as Rachel, wrote in a blog post that she was surprised to find out Gates was her Secret Santa. She received a stuffed cow toy, a signed card, a National Geographic travel book and a $500 donation to Heifer International in her name.

News from © The Associated Press, 2013

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