 |
Donors Make A Difference
Meet Jane and Dick Gorton
Jane and Dick Gorton established a donor advised fund within the Racine Community Foundation in 1998.
“I joined the Foundation board in 1990 when board president Dave Rowland proposed a goal for the Foundation of building the assets to $5 million. It has been a privilege to watch the steady growth of participants and donors, as well as the total net worth,” said Jane.
After serving for nine years on the Foundation board, Jane continues to serve on the grants committee. She was a member of the Foundation board when the Walter Smolenski funds were received, “an amazing gift to the community.”
Smolenski left $2.4 million to the Foundation, as well as a tract of land that has since been turned into a 72 acre park in Mt. Pleasant on Stuart Road.
“The handsome pavilion in the park is a wonderful place for picnics and gatherings,” said Jane.
Dick Gorton is on the advisory committee for the Kids First Endowment Fund within the Foundation, a unique fund that benefits the Racine Unified School District.
“Knowing the integrity of everyone involved with the Foundation gave us the confidence to establish our own fund,” said Dick. “A donor advised fund allows us flexibility.”
They recommend gifts from their own fund, then the Foundation staff, with the board’s approval, carries out their wishes.
“We know from Jane’s experience on the grants committee that the Foundation does a careful and thorough job in exploring what they do with donors’ funds,” Dick said.
“From participating on Foundation committees, keeping in contact through Foundation reports and working with our fund we continue to learn about the needs in Racine County, as well as the many organizations who build our community through their services,” said Jane. “As we plan our future and as community needs change, it is good to know that our fund is in place. Organizations rise and fall but the Foundation and its mission will continue. We feel that our investment in the Racine Community Foundation is an investment in the future of Racine County,” she concluded.
|
|
|
|
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
