Would I be right in guessing that in the US, as it is in a lot of other countries, that giving money to charity is tax-deductable? In other words, it's a tax dodge.

And who were these 'needy' charities that he donated to? If it hasn't been disclosed, I'd be willing to bet a large chunk of it went to his church - who are hardly in need of any more cash the last time I looked...