Donor Stories
Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.
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Aaron NorrisWith heavy hearts, the Foundation mourns the recent passing of friend and community philanthropist, Aaron Michael Norris.
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CAROL NEWKIRK AND BEVERLY RASHIDD: CHAMPIONS FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICEAs part of Women's History month, IECF is highlighting two of our donors, Carol Newkirk and Beverly Rashidd. Both women spent their careers championing women's rights and fostering opportunities for equity, inclusion, and diversity. Now they've taken steps to ensure their legacy lives on.
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Chris Carpenter
“My late wife and I developed an interest in supporting the library many years ago,” said Chris Carpenter. “Molly found her calling as a first-grade teacher. She absolutely loved the thrill of seeing the lights go on as kids learned to read, and she spent her free time volunteering with the Riverside library system.”
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George and Nancy Bates
A $1M scholarship fund was recently opened with IECF to honor the legacy of George P. Bates, founder of Shield Packaging in California.
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George and Vici NagelAt IECF, we’re privileged to serve as the link between hardworking nonprofits and generous donors in our united efforts to create a vibrant region. We’d like to introduce you to George and Vici Nagel, long-time friends of the Foundation and valued partners.
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Gloria Macias Harrison
For over 50 years, Gloria Macias Harrison has dedicated her life’s work to the betterment of her community through communication, activism and education.
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Jay Allen Turned 65 and Invited Everyone to the Fun(d)!Palm Springs philanthropist Jay Allen wanted to celebrate his 65th birthday by raising $65K for nonprofit organizations, including the LGBTQ Center of the Desert. He opened the Jay Allen 65th Birthday Fund with IECF and invited everyone to the party.
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Jeremy HobbsAt IECF, our board members are instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of strengthening the Inland Empire through philanthropy. They're our ambassadors, advocates, strategists, and supporters. Today we'd like to introduce you to board member Jeremy Hobbs, President of Western Wind Foundation, who also heads up our Marketing and Charitable Giving Committee.
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Judy WhiteIECF is proud to manage the MOSAIC fund, which was established to promote the education of multicultural enrichment; advocate for unity among races; provide a curriculum that teaches empathy; and support career advancement, mentoring, and scholarships.
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Uplifting Latinos in the Inland Empire: A Conversation with Jesse MelgarIn celebration of its 80th Anniversary, IECF announced the launch of new Signature Funds, each of which will raise at least $80K in their inaugural year to support pressing causes and communities in the Inland Empire. IECF's youngest board member, Jesse Melgar, wasted no time stepping forward to establish the IECF's first ever Latino-focused fund, the CIELO Fund. We're pleased to share Jesse's compelling journey that has driven his commitment to his community.
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Joyce Montgomery: Giving and Investing with Peace of Mind
Joyce Montgomery spent a full and rewarding career in nursing and healthcare management. When she retired, she knew she wanted to continue making a difference in the lives of young people, especially those interested in health care careers from low-income and diverse populations and medically underserved communities.
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Nefertiti Long
As the daughter of a single mom, Nefertiti "Nef" Long grew up in humble circumstances. Her family moved frequently when she was a child. Although Nef faced adversity, she was fortunate to have teachers, family members and support systems to fill in the gaps and usher her toward success. Through hard work, perseverance and an internal compass of self-confidence, Nef earned her Associate of Arts degree from Chaffey College, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Master's Degree in Finance from California State University, Fullerton.
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Phil and Lynda Savage
Philanthropy can take many forms, including volunteerism, community service and charitable giving. These are just some of the outward-focused practices that enrich our communities and promote the well-being of our neighbors. In this Conversation with Donors, we’d like to introduce you to Phil and Lynda Savage, who are lifelong examples of broad and generous altruism, and whom we are proud to call friends of the Foundation.
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Randall Lewis
Randall Lewis, renowned regional homebuilder, developer and longtime philanthropist, has made a generous gift of $80,000 to IECF’s Here for Good Fund in honor of the Foundation’s 80th Anniversary. The Here for Good Fund was established in 1992 to provide annual operating support to IECF, allowing us to offer community leadership on multiple issues. We sat down with Randall to talk about his thoughts on existing and emerging work that needs to be done in the Inland Empire, and why IECF plays an important role in that work.
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Rose Mayes
In honor of January’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and February’s Black History Month, we’re pleased to share the story of one of IECF’s long-time supporters and a legacy donor, Rose Mayes. Much has already been written about Ms. Mayes – it takes but a minute in a Google search to gain an understanding of her deep impact on the city of Riverside, and if you’ve ever been in downtown Riverside you’ve been touched by her influence whether you realized it or not.
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Shelley Gagnet
May is National Pet Month, and we’re privileged to share this story about a wonderful donor whose beloved pet, Gracie, inspired a philanthropic legacy.
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A Conversation on the Arts: IECF Board Member Ann Sheffer Paints the Picture of a Vibrant Region
Our series of Conversations with Board Members continues in celebration of IECF's 80th Anniversary and eight new Signature Funds. Each of our valued board members brings experience and insight into a wide variety of causes that represent their individual passions and connect us to the people of our region. Our board is devoted to creating a culture of philanthropy and ensuring that IECF's good work paves the way to a prosperous, diverse and equitable future for all.
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Jane Lykken HoffJane Lykken Hoff is one example of a true legacy. This Palm Springs pioneer, who celebrated her 103rd birthday...
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Peggy Fouke Wortz: The Embodiment of Grace, Elegance and GenerosityPeggy Fouke Wortz was an extraordinary woman who transformed a life of privilege into a legacy of generosity.
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Victress Bower: A Teacher and Her LegacyBorn in Minnesota in 1874 , Victress Bower was the youngest of four children. She began teaching...
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BequestsJoe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization over the years. Both of them strongly believe that it is important to support and encourage our mission.
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Tax-Free SaleHoward and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.
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Fixed Income for RetirementAfter working for decades as a pediatrician in a small rural town, Patricia was ready to retire.
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Capital Gains Tax BypassedPeter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities.
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Peace of Mind Gift AnnuityMany years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was so pleased with the home, she decided to buy stock in the company that built it.
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Sale and UnitrustGene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. Now, Gene and Carol are looking for a way to save taxes.
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The Retirement UnitrustMary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.
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Property Turns Into IncomeMiranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their children. After her spouse passed, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her home.
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Flexible Deferred Gift AnnuityLewis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially.
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Part Gift and Part SaleSusan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.
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Current GiftsAs is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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A Bequest to Further Good WorkNancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
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Deferred Gift AnnuitySeveral years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision.
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Gift Annuity for Real EstateJonathan purchased a home many years ago for $80,000. The home has appreciated substantially over the years and is now worth $420,000.
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A Bequest to Save TaxesThomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work.
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Leading for the FutureLuke and Candice spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
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Give it Twice TrustWhile visiting the Wills Planner on her favorite charity's website, June, a surviving spouse, came across the idea of a Give it Twice Trust.
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Providing for Our Children's FutureJoe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.
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