Today, more than 70% of all Americans contribute to their communities through charitable gifts to non-profit groups. The tremendous effort becomes more important as government funding and corporate support dwindles.

As more and more worthy organizations compete for government funding and for contributions from individuals and families, it is important to note that only 6% of Americans make planned gifts in their wills or estate plans. The foresight of planned gifts can make a significant generational effect on the success of programs such as the Scholarship Endowment Program and Program Enhancement Grant Program.

Two individuals in our community who have had the foresight to set up a planned gift are Russell and Gudren "Goodie" Harding.

"We are very fortunate that generous people like Mr. and Mrs. Harding have thought of Riverland Community College with a planned gift," says Heidi Schara, director of development and college foundations. "Planned gifts have a significant impact on the success of our programs and help to establish endowments, which continue to benefit generations to come."

The Hardings are committed to giving of themselves to help others succeed. As educators, they have witnessed first-hand the benefits of an educated community; as a result, they are making a planned gift to establish an endowed scholarship for Riverland Community College students who are majoring in education.

The Hardings have lived and taught in many different places in their lives, Goodie's first teaching job was in Murdo, South Dakota. In addition to teaching four students she built a fire each day to keep the room warm and did all the janitorial work. Russell and Goodie were married on June 15, 1940, and soon after Russell and Goodie were given the responsibility of changing a Federal Indian School over to a State Community School. Their most recent history includes Goodie teaching Elementary Education for 25 years in Austin and Russell teaching Science for 27 years in Albert Lea. "I want to help other people to do what I did," said Goodie

"We both received a lot of encouragement over the years and we want to give something back to help others. A lot of people who would make good teachers don't always have the money to go to school. Sometimes just a little money helps them," Russell added.

This year, more than 100 Riverland Community College students have benefited from the generosity of people in our communities who are committed to student success and academic excellence.

If you are interested in making a planned gift or would like to discuss the possibility of including Riverland Community College in your will, contact Heidi Schara at 507-433-0508.