Elena and Tom prioritized connection in their estate planning, leaving a legacy of hope with Tom’s passing

Q: How are you and Tom connected to Maybelle Center?

Tom was actually a founding board member of Maybelle Center. He served for several years right alongside Father Richard Berg, the original founder. Tom was so passionate about the work here that he even flew home early from vacation to attend a board meeting once!

Q: Why did the two of you decide to set up a legacy gift and what does it mean to you now that Tom has passed?

Maybelle Center was Tom’s passion, it was his ministry. We truly believe that no one deserves to live in isolation. So when we redid our living trust in 2008, we decided upfront to include a gift to Maybelle Center. It just made sense.

Since Tom’s passing, this gift has become his legacy. This is how I carry on the work and his memory.

Q: What advice do you have for others considering supporting Maybelle Center with an estate gift?

Fifty years from now, you can still be helping the isolated in downtown Portland find life-giving connection and community. That’s what a planned gift makes possible.