Wanda Harden is not a millionaire, but giving through the Community Foundation makes her feel like one.
As a member of the Community Foundation’s Legacy Society and Board of Trustees, Wanda understands the importance of building the community’s permanent endowment. As the public relations coordinator for the Flint Public Library, Wanda knows that her voice matters to this community. And as a wife, mother and devoted community member, Wanda connects her life’s mission to her personal values.
What stirs her passions? Quality of life for those in the Flint area, access to scholarships, especially for minority students, the arts, healthcare initiatives, issues affecting women and children, civic engagement and access to information.
“My first consistent giving was to pan-handlers, bell ringers, Old Newsboys and sign holders,” says Wanda. “I still give to those grassroots efforts, but I have become more strategic in my giving as I understand my values, causes and the issues which stir my passion.”
In 2006, Wanda needed to “get her house in order” due to a family illness. Working with her financial advisor and attorney, she and her husband Willie created a trust. During that process, the couple named the Community Foundation as one of their heirs.
“In setting up the trust we thought about the things that were important to us and how we would like to plant seeds in the community that would continue to grow after we were gone,” said Wanda. “For me, it was to leave a legacy to this community which nurtured me.”
Wanda says philanthropy is a state of mind, a choice to impact those causes which matter most.
“By leaving a gift in our trust, I will touch this community and leave an echo of kindness and care long after I am gone,” Wanda says. “Not only have I specified a gift in my remainder trust, I also give while I’m living, helping to build the strength of the Community Foundation today.
“Am I a millionaire? No. But to know that I am strengthening this community makes me feel like one!”