Donor Journey Part 5: Donor Legacy

In 2015, Sam passed away at age 95.  He was a farmer.  Really gentle man.  Really hard worker. During Karen’s visits over the years, Sam would be on his tractor, plowing the field next to the home.  In his ’90s.  It’s what he did.  It’s what kept him going.  He did it up until months before he passed away.

Martha is still alive, and Karen still visits her on a regular basis.  Martha decided last spring that it was time to sell the 100 acres next to her home.  As part of their estate plans, The Salvation Army benefited $2.5 million from the sale.  

In Christmas of 2016, Martha contacted Karen and gave another $80,000.  Today, she’s 96. Still lives in the same house.  To date, the couple has given just under $3 million.

Why did Sam and Martha choose to give to The Salvation Army?  Because they helped Sam’s family when he was young.

Whether you’re reading the Bible, Native American proverbs, or secular literature and beyond, the notion of leaving a legacy is a familiar one.

• “Do to others what you would have them do to you …” (Matthew 7:12)
• “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.” — Native American proverb
• “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
• “Today, I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.” — Dr. Seuss

It’s human nature to want to make an impact on the world that lasts beyond your lifetime. Donors are no different.  Through their giving, they are choosing which causes they want to influence, and which organizations they trust to go about Doing the Most Good. 

Sam and Martha gave to The Salvation Army because Sam’s family received assistance when he was young.  However, most donors won’t be able to give anywhere close to $3 million.  Can they still leave a legacy?  Absolutely!

Whether someone feels an affinity to a specific organization, like Sam, or just wants to share their resources with people in need, there are myriad opportunities.

Four Ways to Leave a Legacy:

1. Give time.  Offer to babysit, so parents can have a date night.  Mow the lawn for an elderly neighbor.  Organize a neighborhood toy and/or clothing drive for newly arrived refugee families.
2. Give talent.  Offer cooking lessons to newlywed couples.  Lead a sing-along at a senior center.  Offer a photography lesson to a budding artist.
3. Give knowledge.  Tutor students.  Help guide a high school student through the college application process.  Lead a young adult class on financial planning.
4. Give monetary resources.  Donate to a capital campaign.  Underwrite an event. Include your favorite charity in your estate planning.
   
   

Sam and Martha’s generosity will help hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people, and their donor legacy will be remembered long after they are gone.  What’s your legacy?  How do you want to be remembered?

This is #5 in a series of 5 posts about the Donor Journey.  Check out other The Ringer posts to learn more about Sam and Martha and their Donor Journey with The Salvation Army.