Hello and happy Friday!

I received an email this month letting me know that August is National Make-a-Will Month. While it seems there’s a special month for everything these days, as a fundraiser I was happy for the reminder. Estate gifts given to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library have had a transformative impact on our community.

First and foremost, your will protects the people that are most important to you. In fact, my wife and I drew up a will when we knew we were becoming parents. It can also ensure that the institutions that play a key role in improving lives and building a stronger community (hint, hint, the Library!) are thriving for the next generation.

When Marian Harkness passed away in February 2021 her children Holly, Larry and Robert weren’t surprised their mother included the Library in her estate plan. “Our parents set up a charitable trust and included the organizations they cared about,” recalls Larry. “The Library required no deliberation.” Today, all her children use and support their libraries. “It’s part of my legacy as a Harkness,” shared Holly.

Anyone can leave a legacy gift of any size, and there are simple ways to do it. I encourage you to call or email Director of Individual Giving Teleia White (pronounced tah-LEE-ah) to have a confidential conversation about estate planning and how the Library can be a part of your legacy. Her direct number is 704-416-0803 and her email is twhite@cmlibrar​y.org.

Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE
Executive Director

P.S. Friendly reminder — there are sponsorship opportunities for Verse & Vino still available! Click here for our sponsorship guide or contact us directly to chat about the best sponsorship for your organization.

Our legacy giving society The Dewey Circle was established in 2016 and is named for Charlotte’s first librarian Elizabeth “Bessie” Lacy Dewey.

Marian Harkness raised her three children to be readers, and her legacy gift to the Library Foundation ensures that future generations can do the same.