Anne Sushko - Legacy Society Member & Donor for 10 Years
Giving: An Integral Part of Life
By Anne Sushko
I cannot remember a time in my life when the concepts of giving to others and sharing one’s gifts were not present. My parents led by example and growing up as part of a pastor’s family, being involved in charitable causes and helping others was a ‘normal’ part of life. And it was always ‘quiet’ involvement-never expecting or requiring acknowledgement. Those who had gave to those who needed.
I first heard of The Dressage Foundation during a USDF Board of Governors meeting. One of the Directors got up and spoke about the Foundation, describing many of the grants and highlighting some of the recipients. And throughout her talk I kept hearing the words EDUCATION and GIVING. Education was my chosen vocation, horses brought me joy, and giving was an integral part of my being. I decided I needed to find out more about the Foundation. When I approached Jenny Johnson later at the USDF Convention and started asking questions and saw her face light up with joy at the opportunity to discuss the work of TDF, I knew this was an organization I could support as well as benefit from.
I started with periodic gifts to TDFsometimes in honor of someone, other times to support specific programs. When the monthly giving program was introduced, my husband suggested contributing that way. We continued ‘special’ gifts along with the monthly program. The time came to revise our wills and revisit our investment portfolio. Knowing that we were regularly supporting various groups, our financial advisor asked if we had considered bequests. TDF, which had become such an important part of my life, was right there at the top of my list. Our financial advisor did some research on the Foundation and said it was an excellent choice. The process was very easy.
Why a bequest? Primarily because I can give a gift that will continue to be given after I can no longer give on my own. I will be investing in the future with an organization whose values align with mine. It will enable others to grow and learn. It will support a sport I have grown to love. It is continuing to build on the foundation given to me by my parents. Giving is an integral part of life, and a bequest allows that to continue on as a foundation for others.
