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More on Legacy Gifts
Estate Gift Helps Alliance Weather
Economic Storm
The late Virginia Tuohy would never have guessed that her planned gift to the Alliance would help the organization through one of the toughest economic times in recent history. Mrs. Tuohy, who died in October 2007 at the age of 88, bequeathed nearly $100,000 in unrestricted funds to the Alliance. The final payment from her estate arrived in November. “She could not have known how much of an impact her thoughtful bequest would have during one of the most challenging economic times for nonprofits since the Depression,” says Carolyn Scholz, director of Individual Philanthropy for the Alliance. “Her visionary gift has helped the Alliance keep steady on its 40-year course of engaging citizens in Great Lakes conservation and protection for the benefit of those who come after us.” Known for her crewel embroidery, needlework and love of music,
Mrs. Tuohy was a resident of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood at the time of her death and was formerly of Grand Rapids, Mich. Her husband of 43 years, Joseph, passed away in 1990. Linda Maguire says her mother, Alice Maguire, and Mrs. Tuohy became close friends through a neighborhood group in Chicago before Linda was born, and that the family’s friendship endured throughout Mrs. Tuohy’s life. “Virginia was a very generous person. She really cared about our world, about the Earth,” Maguire says. “I wasn’t surprised at all that this was an organization she gave a gift to. Ginny was that type of person – a very kind and gentle spirit.” Gifts of unrestricted funds are of special importance to the Alliance, as much of the organization's funding comes earmarked for specific priorities and programs. Mrs. Tuohy’s gift did double duty by growing the Alliance’s endowment and providing essential operating funds. "As good as we are at projecting the hot-button issues around the Great Lakes from year to year, there are still those that can catch us by surprise," says Scholz. "It's vital to have flexible funding available when the need arises." If you are interested in a confidential inquiry, please contact Scholz at 312-939-0838 x229 or cscholz@greatlakes.org.
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