Links to a Legacy builds foundation In late 2002, the MRA Board of Directors kicked off a
fundraising strategy to boost giving to Michigan Retailers Foundation.
The golf-themed “Links to a Legacy” campaign advances the Association’s
goal of more than doubling the foundation’s assets to $1 million
in order to continue aggressive growth in the scholarship program. To date, the campaign has reached almost the halfway point.
Foundation assets have grown to $700,000. At the same time, scholarship applications set a record
again this year, with 232 students applying. “Clearly, members see the scholarship program as
a valuable benefit,” said D. Larry Sherman, campaign chair. “Our
goal is to give larger awards to more students. We’d like to see
this program keep growing and becoming an even more valuable benefit of
MRA membership.” The “Links to a Legacy” campaign encourages
sustained, cumulative giving to the foundation by rewarding contributors
with increased levels of recognition as contributors move up through the
various giving levels. Levels range from Medalists (under $1000) to the Legacy
Club ($10,000 or more in cumulative gifts). Contributors at the Legacy
Club level will have an annual scholarship named for them or their business
and earn a spot on a “Wall of Fame” at MRA’s Lansing headquarters. Michigan Retailers Foundation is a nonprofit organization,
so contributions are tax-deductible. There are many ways to contribute: a one-time gift of
cash, appreciated stock or securities; installment contributions on a
yearly, semi-yearly or monthly basis; or planned gifts made through wills,
charitable annuities, life insurance or charitable trusts. To contribute,
contact MRA’s Retha Lachance at 800.366.3699 or rlachance@retailers.com. MRA thanks the following individuals and business for
their generous support of Michigan Retailers Foundation in 2002-03: |