“When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground.” – African proverb
In rural communities, where traditions and stories are passed down through generations like treasured heirlooms, the loss of an elder is profoundly felt. This African proverb encapsulates the rich tapestry of wisdom, experiences, and history that elders carry with them, and the irreplaceable loss that occurs when they pass on.
In much the same way, when a champion of our community leaves us, a part of our shared history and knowledge disappears. However, there is a way to ensure that these invaluable legacies are preserved and continue to benefit our community for years to come: through legacy gifts.
Legacy gifts, such as bequests in wills, charitable trusts, or gifts of life insurance, offer a way for individuals and families to leave a lasting impact on the causes and organizations they care about. For your Community Foundation of White County, these gifts are a way to build a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that our community's needs are met, and our traditions are preserved…forever.
By including the Community Foundation in your estate plans, you can create a legacy that will support White County for generations. These gifts can be used to establish permanent endowments that fund specific nonprofit organizations or provide unrestricted support to address emerging needs through our community grantmaking. Unrestricted gifts are currently eligible to receive a 2:1 match, tripling your impact.
Generous donors who honor their community by gifting all or a portion of their assets or estates to serve their charitable wishes through the Foundation become cherished members of our Legacy Society. Current Legacy Society members include Dianna Bailey, Gerald Delzell, Donald Dolick, Janet Geib, Leslie Wineland Goss, Joe R. Hahn, Shirley Keesling, Nancy Martin, Joe & Linda Maudlin, Art & Sherry Morgan, Marjorie Potts, Dean Warren, and multiple anonymous members.
As we honor our elders' legacies, let's also reflect on the legacy we want to leave for future generations. What story will they hear when they look back at White County's history? Today, our community is known for its generosity, kindness, and growth. Through legacy gifts, we can ensure our community's "library" remains open and vibrant, preserving our stories and values for those who come after us.
Reach out to director, Lucy Dold to learn more about joining the Community Foundation of White County’s Legacy Society: (574) 583-6911.
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