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(Part of a series of articles on charitable giving and the Union County Foundation by David Vollrath - Exec. Dir.) Every now and then someone touches our lives that upon first meeting your intuition just tells you that they are indeed very special. Somehow you just immediately know that they are unlike anyone else you have ever met. Such was the case for me when I first met Miriam Hildreth several years ago. Miriam walked in the door of The Foundation office, introduced herself and then talked with me at length about how she wanted to work with the Foundation to accomplish some of her significant charitable dreams. That conversation expanded into Miriam sharing a treasure trove of life experiences and a wealth of down to earth observations about the human condition. On several occasions I visited her at her home just outside of Marysville. I remember those visits fondly and recall always leaving feeling like I had received far more than I had given. Rarely have I ever met anyone who was so focused on helping others and so committed to serving the community she so dearly loved. Miriam’s energy level, love of life, and servant’s heart truly set her apart and will forever leave an impact on me and many others who had the privilege of knowing her. For many of us, charitable activity is a forced response to what seems to be constant prodding. In Miriam’s case her charitable inclinations were natural and part of the very fiber of her heart and soul. The fact is that Miriam could no more deny her charitable mindset than she could deny her equally innate love for animals (cats). What can we learn from the way Miriam Hildreth lived her life? One thing I think we can glean is that we can and should be intentional regarding what type of charitable legacy we might leave when we pass from this life. Miriam thought about her charitable legacy, planned her charitable legacy, and most importantly acted on that plan. As a result of Miriam’s forethought, generosity, and planning several charitable organizations important to Miriam will receive financial support for years to come. I am thankful that because of my affiliation with The Union County Foundation I came to know Miriam Hildreth and was able to help her fulfill some of her charitable dreams. She truly was a charitable role model for us all. The Union County Foundation encourages you to consider your present and future charitable goals. Perhaps those goals may include the establishment of your own Scholarship Fund. The Foundation is equipped to help you achieve these goals by providing: planned giving and estate planning resource information, charitable gift annuities/life income plans, and a broad array of charitable choices. Please call us at 937-642-9618, email commfounduc@imetweb.net, reference our website at www.emarysville.com/unioncountyfoundation, or stop by our Marysville office at 126 N. Main St. We are committed to helping you.... “preserve your footprint in time.” |
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