At 85 years young, Karen’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, friendship, and community engagement. A devoted supporter of Russian Riverkeeper, Karen has chosen to make a Planned Gift.
Karen’s story begins in an era when many women stayed home to raise their families. After marrying right out of college, with a new baby one year later, she found great satisfaction in volunteer service she could do at home. Once her daughter started school, she became a full-time volunteer within her community. This led to working internationally with her Sorority as a member of the Board of Directors for ten years and as International President for four years. When the Sorority embarked on a million- dollar fundraising campaign, she was asked to chair. Knowing nothing about fundraising, she found the challenge of learning a new skill exciting. She, and her team, successfully met their goal with every gift, except one, coming from women, which was unheard of at that time.
In 2011, Karen moved to Healdsburg, where she became involved with the Dry Creek Valley Association. Through her DCVA connections, she was introduced to Russian Riverkeeper, and shortly thereafter, joined the Board of Directors. Karen was instrumental in revamping the annual fundraiser into the wonderfully successful “Ripp’n River Bash”.
When asked about her decision to make a Planned Gift to Russian Riverkeeper, Karen feels it is the easiest gift she will ever make. It gives a person with fixed income the opportunity to make a significant gift after they are gone. No one knows what the future will bring. A Planned Gift is one way to leave a percentage or all of what remains in your estate after all other commitments are met.
Karen’s connection to Russian Riverkeeper is deeply personal. She has witnessed the organization’s achievements firsthand, such as the removal of invasive species like Arundo and looks forward to the improvements that will be made in the Hanson floodplain restoration project.
Her vision for the future of Russian Riverkeeper is clear and compelling. She dreams of a return to the river’s pristine past, free from the scars of gravel mining and other environmental threats. Her gift is one small step toward making that vision a reality, and she encourages others to join her in also considering a Planned Gift.
Thank you, Karen, for your unwavering support and dedication to the mission of Russian Riverkeeper. Your legacy will inspire and enable future generations to protect and preserve our beloved Russian River.