Guest post by Priscilla Johnson, Vice Chair of Advancement, CILTI board
Priscilla and her husband Tom, both longtime CILTI supporters/volunteers, enjoy honoring friends through donations to CILTI. We asked Priscilla to share a little bit about why she and Tom choose to give gifts in honor or memory of others, as well as gift memberships.
I was raised by a father who introduced me to nature at a young age. I have such wonderful memories from childhood of exploring the outdoors—the woods and the lake and the wildlife—so my giving reflects the values I was brought up with.
Since I know that CILTI is saving the best places to last, it’s a no-brainer for me to help the staff continue that job. Preserving something in perpetuity—that’s the best kind of gift! We’re contributing to something that is living and breathing, with potential to have an enormous impact on future generations. From planting a million trees to saving places where rare birds and special orchids can flourish, I’m proud to be part of this effort.
So when someone close to me passes away, I like to honor their memory with something lasting. Instead of flowers, my inclination is to plant or protect a tree, or to preserve a bird or special flower on the landscape—things that won’t wilt and die in two or three days like a bouquet. I feel that a gift to CILTI honors the person’s memory much more than the traditional flower arrangement.
In a similar vein, I have so many generous friends who do kind things for me. Giving a contribution in their honor is a special way to say thank you to them. I love to express gratitude by donating to the organization that means so much to me.
Also, as a Realtor, I have many occasions to celebrate with clients as they buy or sell a home. I prefer to commemorate these milestones by giving a gift membership to CILTI. That has the potential to make two good things happen at one time—the recipients will get involved with CILTI and learn about our preserves, and they’ll have a gift that they can enjoy throughout the year.
Now through September 1, 2023, all contributions will be matched. A generous donor, the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, has offered to match all donations up to $50,000. There’s never been a better time to give, whether in honor or memory of a loved one, or as a gift membership!