Leaving a Legacy

The story posted below is a shining example of a family who was touched by a school (like mine, like yours) and then provided scholarship aid through their estate. This is an example that we can share with our donors who may not have even thought about this kind of giving options.

Recently, I was speaking to friends of mine (in their mid 60's) who said that, until we spoke, that they never thought about where their "residual" would go except to their children. This kingdom-minded couple know that their grown children didn't "need" any more money and they wanted to see ministries that they care about be strengthened.

We can have some wonderful conversations from this perspective and ask questions like:

1. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What would like to be remembered for?
2. What do you want to leave your heirs? Will they spend your money as you would?
3. What kind of impact would you like to have today (this side of the grave) vs. after you go?



Read (and share) this inspiring story!



Through generosity, their legacy lives on
By Alta Mayhugh, Staff writer
Williston Herald
Williston, North Carolina
Published/Last Modified on Saturday, December 27, 2008 9:01 PM CST

Thanks to the generosity of a former Williston couple, six organizations have received donations of $120,000 each.

On Dec. 22, the estate of Ernest and Elma Sylte was distributed among the couple’s nieces and nephews, as well as Bethel Lutheran Foundation, Mercy Medical Foundation, Trinity Christian School, Upper Missouri Ministries, Williston Council on Aging and Williston State College Foundation.

Stan Grev of rural Williston, Elma’s nephew, is an executor of the Sylte estate. He said the Syltes chose to give to the organizations because each one has touched their lives in different ways.

“Caregivers is what they were. They’ve always given to these charities,” Grev said.

A portion of the estate was given to the 11 nieces and nephews, and more than half of it was given to charity, Grev said. “They thought the 11 nieces and nephews were OK on their own,” Grev said.

Both Ernest and Elma were born in Williston; Elma (Grev) Sylte was born east of Williston. They were married on Dec. 30, 1957, and owned a farm northwest of Williston. Elma Sylte was a teacher, having taught in one-room school throughout Williams and Divide counties.

Ernest Sylte raised sheep, cattle and farmed spring wheat, durum and other grains on the family homestead and was known for taking wedding photos as well as portraits of family and friends. He died Feb. 8, 2008, at the age of 90; she died Aug. 1, 2005, at the age of 94.

Representatives of the organizations are grateful for the donations.

“I’m very respectful and appreciative of people that have this kind of philanthropy,” said Terry Olson, director of the Williston State College Foundation.

Williston State College Foundation received its donation just after the last board meeting, Olson said. Thus, it’ll wait until the board meets again to discuss what to do with the money.

Although the WSC Foundation appreciates gifts that are designated for specific uses, such as endowments and scholarships, Olson is grateful this particular gift comes with no strings attached so it can be put toward what the foundation needs.

“The nicest thing about this gift is the Sylte family felt confident that the foundation and its board would see fit to spend it. It’s very nice to to get a gift like this that’s unrestricted,” Olson said.

Jim Yockim, director of Bethel Lutheran Foundation, said its donation will be used for the new assisted-living center being built west of the El Rancho Hotel in Williston. Ground broke on the project in August, and it may be completed by fall 2009, Yockim said.

“It will add a badly-needed service to the community,” Yockim said. The assisted-living center will not only offer a place for seniors to live independently with some services, but it will also free up some housing in the community once seniors can move in, he said.

Upper Missouri Ministries will use its money for scholarships for children to go to summer camp and to replace cabins and upgrade facilities, said Nick Johnson, camp director.

“Faith was important to the Syltes. It’s a marvelous gift,” Johnson said, adding the donation will give hundreds of children the ability to experience God through the summer camp program. The camp is located north of Williston near Epping.

More scholarships will be available to children wanting to go to Trinity Christian School in Williston, thanks to the Sylte donation, said Doug Black, administrator and development director of the school.

“These people were so gracious. Even though they’re not here now, their legacy lives on. Many students will be blessed as a result of their gift,” Black said.

Copyright © 2009 Williston Herald

Matching Up

Every school has its "wish list"; those projects that may not be currently budgeted but ones we would love to see funded with a special gift. So how do we approach the "problem"?

Sometimes we look at the list of donors and their giving range and make a guess as to whether their resources and our need are a monetary fit.

Or, we could look at the lapsed donor list and see whether it is time to give a "touch" to a friend who hasn't given for awhile; a type of a "welcome back" to the school.

It seems that we can and do make the case for some project at our school without thinking and praying about what is the specific interest and (dare I say?) need of the donor. Donors are our friends and we need to treat them lovingly; Jesus declares that clearly as we are to love our neighbor.

I suggest that a better way is to be in a current relationship with our donors/friends so that we are already in tune with their desires for our school. If we commit the process to prayer the Holy Spirit will guide us in formulating the request (the "ask" to others) and He will go before us to prepare the donor to hear and evaluate the request.

This preparation will not always result in getting the project funded, but it will allow us to have a respectful and thoughtful interaction with our friend such that we could come back at a future date with another idea.

After all, we can always bring ideas to our friends, can't we?

Bilateral Blessings

When we promote our schools to potential or current donors we are obligated to explain how this gift will benefit or bless our school. We should speak about the worldview and academic training that happens and how we are helping to train the next generation of leaders, parents, spouses, and workers of all types. So, the blessing to the school is to provide children an educational "hot house" for their growth and development so they will be ready and able to impact their communities for Christ.

There is another blessing that we may not be as conscious of; that is the blessing to the donor. When that happens the donor is being obedient in being a good steward of the wealth they manage. Further, the donor becomes linked to the work of the school in a way that gives them a "Kingdom connection" and participation in a work larger than the individual.

As we encourage this kind of two-way (bilateral) blessing, let us pause and give thanks to the Lord that He allows us to be part of work that allows to help people link their faith to their actions.

Come to think of it, isn't that a blessing to us as well?