Informed Giving

Phil and Stephanie Quinn

Phil and Stephanie Quinn established an Acorn Society Fund because they feel a responsibility to give back to the community in which they live and work. 

As young adult professionals, the Quinns felt the “grow over time” aspect of the Acorn Society fit their desire to create a lasting legacy while respecting the limited budget young parents face as they raise their children.   They also saw the fund as a way to help teach their children the importance of giving back. 

 “Giving through the Foundation is a great way to ensure that the money stays local and is making a difference in the lives of families right here in Wayne County,” Phil said.  “That, to us, is the main reason we chose to give through the Foundation.”   

Charlie and Maxine Matthews

Charlie and Maxine Matthews know poverty.  Born into a family that was always trying to make ends meet during the Depression, they saw the needs around them, not realizing they, themselves, were poor.  As children, they moved frequently and their father often found it hard to find work. They recall fondly how others helped their family when things seemed bleak. 

After college, Maxine found an apartment and went to work for Prudential Insurance.  Charlie’s schooling and work took him to Pennsylvania and New York but eventually brought him back to Wayne County. 

Through lives lived frugally they saved a portion of their hard-earned money.  Because of their background, they knew other people had unmet needs and felt compelled to share what they had with others.  They chose to give back by creating charitable gift annuities through the Foundation.  These unique gifts provide Charlie and Maxine with a life income now and create lasting gifts to specified charities in the future.

“We give because we’ve ‘been there, done that’.  We give through the Foundation because by ourselves, we can have little impact, Maxine said.  “Our gifts aren’t large by the usual standards but if we combine our money and efforts with others, we can make a difference.  That’s why we give through the Foundation.”

Indeed the Matthews siblings do give… from the heart.