Legacy Giving Donor Stories

The Wilts

A Bequest Leads to a Discovery

A former professional horsewoman, dog breeder, rancher, shop owner, and more, Mrs. Wilt, 87, has packed an astounding range of endeavors into nearly nine decades. Fortunately, Mrs. Wilt found an equally adventurous soul mate. Read More



The Gibsons

A Heartfelt Gift Through a Trust

Living in a rural community in the 1960s, Bob Gibson was a farmer while his wife, Marilyn, cared for their three sons, two of whom were twins. Bruce, one of the twins, had been born with mental disabilities that affected his behavior and cognitive abilities. Read More



DeGrange Family

A Special Needs Trust Provides For Son and Easterseals

When Jackie Degrange informed us that Easterseals is in her estate plans, we were delighted not only to learn of her gift, but also to find out her family has a personal connection to Easterseals. Read More



Legacy Giving Irene

Active Giving

Irene hasn’t let retirement slow her down. She maintains an active lifestyle and is a proud great-grandaunt to energetic 6-year-old twins. Watching them grow up, Irene knows how important it is for every child to have a chance to succeed, which is why she’s also an active supporter of Easterseals.Read More



Jane wearing glasses and smiling

Friendship, Volunteering and a Plan

When Jane picked up the phone to call Easterseals to learn more about updating her will, she got so much more in return than she ever imagined. Now she has peace of mind and a new friend—and is making a profound difference to people with disabilities in her community. Read More



Ryan and Justin sitting on a boat

Giving Back for a Brighter Future

Brothers Ryan and Justin both have myotonic muscular dystrophy and autism, and their challenging behaviors made them a danger to themselves, each other and their family. But then the boys started receiving Easterseals services, which has transformed them. In gratitude, the Forthofers have included Easterseals in their estate plan. Read More



John Burke

Helping Children, Veterans and Himself

Easterseals' mission has long had personal meaning for Jim Burke, a Navy veteran of World War II whose mother had multiple sclerosis. He has given to Easterseals for decades, but recently decided to make a unique gift that gave him something in return. Read More



'I Figured There Has to Be a Way'

Jean knows what it’s like to face challenges in life. She’s lived with epilepsy nearly all her life, and a recent fire destroyed everything she owned. But that hasn’t stopped her from putting good out into the world. Working with Easterseals, she found a way to support people with disabilities without writing a check today. Read More



Mark and Patty Engberg

Keeping a Legacy Alive

Giving back to an organization that has touched your family personally is a wonderful way to keep a legacy alive. Mark Engberg's sister, Mary Beth, who lived with cerebral palsy, enjoyed many summers at Easterseals camp. Read More



Carolyn in a green turtleneck sweater, smiling

Leaving Something of Themselves Behind

As a child, John was frequently hospitalized due to severe asthma and bouts of pneumonia. But a highlight of his childhood was attending a therapeutic camp run by Easterseals. Before he passed away, John and his wife, Carolyn, included a gift to Easterseals in their will as a way to say thank you. Read More



Mr. Kimbler in an orange shirt, smiling

"The Highlight of My Day"

It's been about 60 years, but Mr. Kimbler can remember being a boy at Easterseals. Read More

Disclaimer: The information on this planned giving site is intended to assist you in your charitable planning. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Please consult with your attorney or other advisor for professional advice and to discuss how this information can benefit you as your consider your financial and philanthropic goals.

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