Retired schoolteacher Earl James Willie, of Kannapolis, was a modest person who used to save pennies in a jar, Marable church elders said, so it was a bit of a surprise upon his passing in October 2016 to find that he had established a trust at Foundation For The Carolinas to give to the causes he and his late wife, Margaret, had supported throughout their lives.
His planned gift supports the Willies’ longtime church, Marable Memorial AME Zion, Camp Dorothy Walls Conference and Retreat Center, Livingstone College and Hood Theological Seminary, his alma mater, Hampton University, and a scholarship fund in honor of his wife, who was also a Cabarrus County schoolteacher.
Mr. Willie made tremendous contributions during his lifetime, said Marable pastor, the Rev. William McKenith. “He made his mark in service of his country, in service of his church, the community, and his family.”
The Earl J. and Margaret S. Willie Foundation assures their legacy of service to the community will continue for years to come.
Make your charitable vision last
If you want to provide continued support to special causes or expand opportunities in your community, Foundation For the Carolinas can help bring your vision to life with planned giving options. Anyone can leave a lasting legacy of philanthropy using assets ranging from retirement funds or life insurance policies to a specific amount or percentage of their estate.
Salisbury resident Louise Penn Slade sustained decades-long dedication to her church, university, and community with a planned gift that will ensure ongoing support for her favorite causes.
Slade, who died in February at the age of 93, taught home economics in Wilson County schools for 10 years and later served as a Rowan County Home Economics Extension Agent until her retirement. She established an endowed designated fund at FFTC, which will support specific grant recipients in perpetuity.
Planned giving through FFTC is easy and flexible
If you want to ensure that the causes you support today become a part of your philanthropic legacy, Foundation For The Carolinas offers expert guidance, personalized service, and local resources to help establish your unique legacy.
• Select specific organizations or causes to support, or give FFTC discretion to meet your community’s evolving needs.
• Utilize different types of funds, depending on whether you wish to designate beneficiaries or would like to engage your family in selecting organizations.
• Use a variety of assets such as retirement funds and life insurance policies, or specify a dollar amount or percentage of your estate.
FFTC helps structure estate gifts and create charitable plans that maximize your philanthropic impact. Flexible succession plans offer permanent stewardship and ensure your commitment to causes you support will be honored for years to come.
To learn more, go to www.fftc.org or contact Sara Piner, Planned Giving Officer, at spiner@fftc.org or 704-973-4576.
