Mark Jinkins

Arvid Munson

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We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a couple of Door County's most generous souls. Ruth Barker and Lee Traven, two absolutely wonderful people who lived long and inspiring lives, each left this world in April. Ruth, along with her late husband Hartley, were named by the Community Foundation as the 2006 Philanthropists of the Year. That same honor was bestowed upon Lee in 2011.

 

Everyone in Door County knows the Barkers and Lee Traven as philanthropists, but what exactly does that mean?  How do you define a philanthropist?

 

Donating to charity makes one a donor, and that is a beautiful thing to be. It's critically important to our community that we all give to charity on a regular basis. But simply writing a check is not sufficient for a person to become a philanthropist.

 

Next to our love, the most precious thing we have to give is our time. A philanthropist is one who gives generously of both of these most valuable of treasures. They see an issue (or an opportunity) and cannot sit idly by while that condition exits in the world. So they must act.  

 

A philanthropist is born when a donor's passion compels them to give more of themselves than merely money. 

 

They give of their time to the charities they care about. They share their wisdom as members of boards of directors. Philanthropists champion the causes that resonate in their heart and cannot help but openly share their passion with those around them. Their enthusiasm for community service is contagious. 

 

Perhaps most important, a philanthropist is one who believes that the best way to lead is by serving others. That is the epitome of both Ruth Barker and Lee Traven.  

 

You can read more about Ruth Barker and Lee Traven in the memorials in the Peninsula Pulse.

 

Charity is more important to Door County than to any other community in Wisconsin.

 

Yes, I know, that sounds like hyperbole.  Our hyper-competitive society already spends too much effort labeling things as the most, least, best or worst of something.  So generally I try to be more moderate in my approach to most things.  But when it comes to our beloved peninsula, this is an unavoidable conclusion.  Charity really is more important to Door County than to any other community in Wisconsin.

 

It's because the non-profit organizations of our community collectively play perhaps the most critical role in making Door County the unique community that it is, thereby attracting tourists, seasonal residents and retirees alike.  Charity is also essential because it alleviates the challenges arising from the seasonal nature of our economy. 

 

While the latter of those two observations is easy to understand, on the surface the former might seem a bit counter-intuitive.  After all, few of us consider charities as an economic engine.  More often we think of the non-profit sector as an outgrowth of economic prosperity.  While that holds true here as well, in Door County charities are an essential ingredient in what makes our community special.

 

Consider for a moment, what you love about Door County.

 

You can download and read the rest of this article in the 2013 Philanthropy Issue of Door County Living.   

 

Is there a woman in your life who has made a significant impact? The Women's Fund of Door County gives you the unique opportunity to share with others the amazing story of this woman in your life. She may have inspired you, educated you, instilled humor, wisdom or joy in your life. What influential piece of advice did this particular woman give to you to remember and to pass on to others?

 Our mission is simple. The Women's Fund of Door County builds, enriches and nurtures the lives of women and girls through collective wisdom and philanthropy.

 

Many charities entrust the administration of their endowment funds to the Community Foundation.

It's a safe and responsible way to manage endowed gifts, long-term assets or operational reserves. The non-profit community also counts on the Community Foundation's planned giving expertise to facilitate gifts into their endowments. By aggregating these assets under the umbrella of the Community Foundation, economies of scale allow for a far more diversified investment portfolio and lower investment fees than any of the charities could achieve on their own.