Sometimes it’s the people who have received help who know how much it means to give.
That’s true for Katherine Timberlake. “I like to support others because I was supported at important times in my life, and that made a big difference,” she says. That spirit of gratitude has guided her both as a teacher and donor to SOAR365. Katherine has also included a legacy gift to SOAR365 in her estate plans, ensuring that what she cares deeply about continues beyond her lifetime and supports her vision for a better future for all members of our community.
For 30 years, Katherine taught at St. Catherine’s School, where she had firsthand experience with SOAR365. Her students helped host dances for SOAR365’s program participants and helped with painting projects at Camp Baker. Those early service projects sparked a lasting personal relationship with SOAR365.
Over time, Katherine learned more about SOAR365 through visits and program updates. As her interest grew, so did her desire to do what she could to have an impact on individuals with disabilities and their families.
Reflecting on her years in the classroom, Katherine sees a parallel: “SOAR365 is a safe place for a lot of people,” she explains. “It provides the activities, outings, and friendships that so many of us take for granted.” Just as she once nurtured her students, she now helps ensure that children and adults with disabilities continue to thrive.
Katherine smiles when she describes herself as “a very modest little woman.” It’s a phrase she learned from her mother, who passed away in 2020. Katherine was inspired by their heartfelt discussion about what they wanted their legacy to be – but her impact will be anything but “little.”
Katherine’s legacy gift will help create life-fulfilling opportunities for people with disabilities for years to come. She hopes others will consider the same: “Don’t assume somebody else will do it. Each of us can make a lasting difference. You might not be able to do that much, but as long as you do something, you’re making a difference,” says Katherine.
Legacy giving is not only for the wealthy or financially savvy! Naming SOAR365 in your will or as the beneficiary of a retirement account, IRA, life insurance policy, or trust is a simple process.
Legacy gifts are personal, allowing you to express what you stand for. By including SOAR365 in your estate plans, you continue creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities far into the future.
Please contact Dana Wilson, Director of Major Gifts, for more information. (804) 665-1213 or [email protected]