Davidson's Son And Newly Flush Foundation Are Eying Local Institutions

Ethan Daniel Davidson, the free-spirited beatnik son of a billionaire, is poised to become one of metro Detroit's most important benefactors.

As Brian McCollum writes in the Free Press, Ethan is the son of late Detroit Pistons owner and industrial magnate Bill Davidson. Ethan, a Birmingham resident, is helping shape and steer the fledgling William Davidson Foundation, founded by his father shortly before his 2009 death.

Along with several other Davidson heirs, including widow Karen Davidson, the 42-year-old son holds the reins of an outfit with $1 billion at its command -- and Detroit's cultural and education institutions in its sights.

The foundation, which listed $191 million in assets on its 2010 tax return, became flush with $1 billion last December as pieces of the estate were settled, said Davidson, who serves as the group's treasurer. Bill Davidson's son-in-law, Jonathan Aaron, is foundation president, and several other family members are directors.

"It's really about trying to preserve my father's final wishes," Davidson told McCollum.