BIG SPENDER: Buffett donates nearly $2.9 billion to Gates charity and four others.

Buffett’s 11th annual donation to the five charities comprised 19.61 million Class “B” shares of Berkshire, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday.

The Gates Foundation, which focuses on improving education and health and reducing poverty, received about 14.96 million shares.

The donations were made on Wednesday, and brought Buffett’s total contributions to the charities to more than $24.3 billion since 2006.

I wonder how Buffett’s “giving rate” compares to his secretary’s.