Charli Ann Steven - Legacy Society Member & Donor for 8 Years
How did you come to be charitable and support the work of nonprofit organizations?
I’ve always felt it’s important to volunteer and give back to charitable organizations. Because horses are my passion, I have a long history of volunteering with horse organizations. Where I grew up in Minnesota, that is simply what you did. You volunteered when you could—at a show, on the Board, or assisting with now archaic activities of newsletter publishing. After college, as a young professional trying to support my own horses, another volunteer opportunity that solidified my belief in volunteering was working with theater companies. Volunteering for theater companies allowed me to see many a production I could not have seen (while supporting my horses) at the time. Often, the generosity of a volunteer’s time allows organizations to maintain a lower budget threshold which in turn allows the organization to keep overall costs down. That increases the accessibility of these services/programs and provides great learning opportunities/friendships for the volunteers.
How did you first become interested in The Dressage Foundation?
Several years ago, when I was “newer” to dressage, I learned of TDF and applied for a Gifted Fund Grant for Adult Amateurs. The opportunity provided by this grant was wonderful. Having come from a breed organization background, I couldn’t have imagined such a wonderful concept as TDF. Ever since then, I have increased my own participation through donations and talking to others about the programs.
Why did you decide to leave a gift in your Will to the Foundation?
Having horses as a passion, there was bound to be a horse organization in my estate planning. For me, dressage is so much more than scores and winning ribbons. Dressage is developing a partnership with your horse for life. For some people, that means show ring goals. For others, it’s simply becoming a better rider for your horse. For people like me, dressage is a way to keep track of what is going on in my body. If I were not riding dressage, I would not look normal. Keeping myself aligned and strong for my riding keeps me active and fit in a way nothing else can (and trust me, I’ve tried other ways). In addition to physical benefits, dressage benefits me mentally. Besides, I truly love the dressage community. There are so many wonderful, positive people involved in dressage who do their best to do right by the horses. I don’t see that changing over time. So, we committed to TDF’s Legacy Society early.
Why might you encourage others to leave bequests in their Wills to The Dressage Foundation and to other organizations close to their hearts?
It took me a long time to get to dressage. Dressage offers so many life skills to people of all backgrounds and physical/mental capabilities. There truly is something for everyone in dressage. My passion for the variety of ways people can enjoy dressage drives me to push to make sure it is always there for people to enjoy. Thus, we must help TDF create grants/programs, keep the lights on, keep the current offerings going in perpetuity, and do the work of promoting growth in the sport. After all, dressage is so much more than a sport. It is a lifestyle, a therapist, a personal trainer, emotional support, and so much more—with a competitive aspect if you want it. How can you not contribute to that even after you’re gone? Dressage should be enjoyed until the end of time.
Charli Ann and Craig Geil
