Mark Zuckerberg And Wife Priscilla Chan Welcome Daughter Max, Pledge To Donate 99% Of Their Facebook Shares

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have announced the birth of their daughter Max, as well as their intention to donate the majority of their stock in Facebook over the course of their lifetimes.

Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan Welcome Baby

Zuckerberg took to Facebook Tuesday to reveal that his wife Priscilla had given birth to their first child together, a daughter they’ve named Max.

“Priscilla and I are so happy to welcome our daughter Max into this world! For her birth, we wrote a letter to her about the world we hope she grows up in,” Zuckerberg wrote in his Facebook announcement. “It’s a world where our generation can advance human potential and promote equality — by curing disease, personalizing learning, harnessing clean energy, connecting people, building strong communities, reducing poverty, providing equal rights and spreading understanding across nations.”

In an effort to put his money where his mouth is, the Facebook founder and Chan, a doctor, plan to give 99% of their Facebook stock to charitable causes.

“We are committed to doing our small part to help create this world for all children. We will give 99% of our Facebook shares — currently about $45 billion — during our lives to join many others in improving this world for the next generation,” Zuckerberg wrote, adding, “Thank you to everyone in this community for all your love and support during the pregnancy. You’ve given us hope that together we can build this world for Max and all children.”

Zuckerberg and Chan’s letter to Max details their mission to foster the “advancing of human potential” and “promoting equality.” In order to achieve these aims, the new parents advocate long term investment, engaging with people, building technology, participating in policy and advocacy, backing strong and independent leaders, and taking risks.

“Max, we love you and feel a great responsibility to leave the world a better place for you and all children,” Zuckerberg and Chan concluded their letter. “We wish you a life filled with the same love, hope and joy you give us. We can’t wait to see what you bring to this world.”

One of the most notable people who has responded to the inspirational letter Zuckerberg posted on Facebook is philanthropist Melinda Gates. After sharing her and her husband Bill Gate‘s congratulations for the birth of their daughter, she went on to praise the couple’s generosity.

“As for your decision to give back so generously, and to deepen your commitment now, the first word that comes to mind is: Wow. The example you’re setting today is an inspiration to us and the world,” Melinda Gates wrote. “We can be confident of this: Max and every child born today will grow up in a world that is better than the one we know now. As you say, ‘seeds planted now will grow.’ Your work will bear fruit for many decades to come.”

Zuckerberg and Chan, who announced their pregnancy back in July, were married in 2012. They had met at Harvard University when he was a sophomore and she was a freshman.