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Joe and Ferne Schechter are longtime residents and even longer-time friends of Hillcrest. Both have served on Hillcrest's Board of Directors before becoming residents. Joe served two years as Chair of the Residents Association. Both volunteer in the Hillcrest Gift Shop, serve on Board and Resident Association committees and have been generous donors over the years.
Ferne received an inheritance from the sale of a family farm, and together they decided to use it to make a gift that would benefit the residents of Hillcrest. Not sure of all their options, they contacted the Hillcrest Development Team. After exploring a variety of possibilities, Joe and Ferne decided that a gift for Hillcrest's wellness program in the new Aquatic and Fitness Center would best match with their priorities. After all, Joe is a retired surgeon. Health and wellness have been at the center of their lives. So they decided to use their resources in a way that would enhance the health of Hillcrest's residents.
But the "wish list" for the Aquatic and Fitness Center was bigger than the resources they had to give. How could they make a gift that would encourage others to join them? With a Lead Gift.
Joe and Ferne stepped out, at first anonymously, with a Lead Gift and a challenge. One gift of $30,000 to encourage many gifts... for as much as possible.
How did it turn out? What started as a single gift from Joe and Ferne of $30,000 turned into many gifts totaling over $54,000. Their gift was multiplied and their giving was multiplied. One gift became many gifts.
If you would like to hear more about innovative ways to give, contact Reggie Ingram, (909-392-4320).
