Acadia National Park Receives Philanthropic Gift
“Forge your own future.” Wise words from a Norfolk school teacher who lived this out by investing in her community, her students, and now in future generations who visit a favorite New England destination, Acadia National Park.
Randi Wilson was a school teacher known for being demanding while also inspiring her students to live boldly. One student memorialized her by sharing that Mrs. Wilson had completely changed the trajectory of his life: “She taught me that you don’t have to accept life as it is handed to you — that you can work hard, aim high, and forge your own future.”
This past year, Randi and her husband Don passed away within 8 months of each other. Though they are gone, they continue to impact the causes that were important to them with the contributions of their estate. Through this generosity, they forged a future not just for themselves, but for future generations.
Selecting charities was easy for the Wilsons. They had always felt a connection to nature. They loved spending time on New England country roads — a break from their busy routines in their fields of education and in banking. They wanted their estate to contribute to an organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the natural world. Given their fondness for Bar Harbor and its National Park, the Friends of Acadia foundation was an obvious choice for them.
The Wilsons appreciated Acadia National Park for its natural beauty and were confident their donation would be put to good use at the oldest national park in the eastern US. Since 1919, New Englanders have been drawn to its craggy coastlines, rugged cliffs, tide pools, and wild islands. The Wilsons loved visiting there.
Over the years at their meetings, our Managing Paralegal Paula Nolan formed a special bond with the couple. She recently traveled to Acadia to confer the first of two gifts and felt honored to do this on their behalf. As seen above, Paula presented a check to Lisa Horsch Clark, Director of Development and Donor Relations; and David MacDonald, President and CEO of Friends of Acadia.
Other significant gifts were made to Shriners Hospital and to Mass General Hospital’s Pulmonary Department. Both Don and Randi suffered from pulmonary issues later in life, so they wanted to advance science in that area.
As administrative trustees, we at Borchers Trust Law Group get the privilege of delivering on our clients’ final wishes. We value this partnership and are honored to play a role in our clients’ legacy. Forging futures is a responsibility and a privilege for us all.
If charitable giving is in your future, read up on your options in our article, Charitable Trusts: A Win/Win for Everyone.
