A long-time vacationer to St. Petersburg
while living in Maryland, Evelyn knew that when she retired she would eventually move to Florida.  When that time came, however,
it was the vibrant retirement community of Sun City Center that caught her eye and where she now calls home. 

Eager to be a part of something that would make a positive difference in the lives of others, she started volunteering with local neighborhood organizations and the Red Cross while living in Maryland and, after relocating to Tampa Bay, served in several volunteer capacities with the Hope Fund for Children at Bethune Park, Beth El Mission, and the Sun City Center Community Association.  From time to time, she would come across articles on the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center and liked what she heard about the organization.  Knowing of its huge presence in South County and the impact it was making on the local community, she did not hesitate when asked to join the Foundation board.   

Evelyn quickly established her own donor advised fund, and says that having such a fund allows her to make the most of her grant making and enhance the charitable outcome for those in need.  She says, “What I like most is the flexibility of the fund, and the ability to recommend grants to meet whatever the current community needs might be.”  Having served on the Foundation’s grants committee, she hears first hand of where help is needed and, when Foundation dollars aren’t always available, will often provide grants from her fund to fill those gaps. 

“Another aspect of the Foundation that I think is important for others to know is the fact that it doesn’t take a lot of money to start a fund.  This means anyone who has the desire and is willing to make a relatively modest donation can establish a fund and participate philanthropically.  What’s more, when their grant making is added to the Foundation’s efforts, it can make all the difference to the community.” 

More than just Evelyn’s fund will leave a legacy for generations to come.  Her volunteerism and charitable inclinations have not gone unnoticed by two very important people in her life, her daughter and her son.  As young adults, both children have enthusiastically taken up their mother’s mantle of charitable giving and are actively supporting charities of their choice through ongoing donations or legacy bequests.  As you might guess, mom very happily approves.

To find out how you can start your fund at the Foundation or to get more information, call 813.282.1975.