Donor Stories
Read about people like you who have made an impact through their acts of giving to CEC and other organizations. Write your own legacy story by joining CEC's Livable World Legacy Society today.
CEC Donors
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Dennis Allen and Jennifer Cushnie: Long Time Climate CrusadersThe Community Environmental Council (CEC) is honored to feature Dennis Allen and Jennifer Cushnie, members of CEC's Livable World Legacy Society...
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Jessica McLernon: It's About the Future of Our Children"A healthy and habitable planet is the best legacy we can leave for our children." This is how Jessica McLernon sums up a guiding motif in her life.
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Kathy and Stephanie Yeung: Climate Leadership in ActionIt's one thing to worry about climate change — most of us do. It's another to get personally involved in efforts to confront the climate crisis...
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Charles D. (Kim) Kimbell: A Tireless Advocate for the EnvironmentKim Kimbell, our legacy donor featured this month, loves nature, is an avid surfer and swimmer, and is a champion of conservation. After growing up in...
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Angela Antenore - Supporting Environmental Justice and HealthAngela Antenore grew up in Long Beach, CA where she gained a deep appreciation for the outdoors through hiking, camping and exploring the...
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Catherine Brozowski: Making the World a Better PlaceMaking a legacy gift to a cause that you hold dear is an investment for the future. Few people understand this better than...
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Dr. Bruce Kendall: Environmental Knowledge and ActionWe are blessed in Santa Barbara by having in our midst one of our country's-and the world's-great universities, the University of California...
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Envisioning a Healthy WorldAs we observe the daily signs of climate change-from wildfires currently blanketing the U.S. East Coast in smoke, to heat waves suffocating southern...
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Karl and Nancy HuttererKarl Hutterer has been a key figure at the Community Environmental Council (CEC) for a number of years, and we are thrilled to feature him and his...
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John and Karen JostesJohn Jostes grew up in Oakland, CA exploring urban creeks and taking regular backpacking and fishing excursions in the Sierras. Those early...
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Marc McGinnes: In Love with EarthSome of our readers may have seen the man on stilts, hovering above the crowds at over eight feet tall, at many of Santa Barbara's past Earth Day...
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Karen and David Telleen-Lawton—Making a DifferenceCEC's Livable World Legacy Society is delighted to welcome Karen and David Telleen-Lawton among its newest members. As a Southern California native, Karen...
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Fighting For a Fossil-Free FutureKatie Davis is a widely known and respected environmental and climate activist, recognized by the Santa Barbara Independent as a Local Hero...
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Michel Saint-Sulpice: A Man in Love—With GaiaWould you like to meet a truly Happy Warrior? Meet Michel Saint-Sulpice! Michel is the embodiment of an environmental steward. He is profoundly in love with the...
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Champions of a Healthy WorldAs we observe the daily signs of climate change and worry increasingly about how we can ensure a livable world for our grandchildren...
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Featured CEC Legacy Donor John Steed: A Deep Sense of Obligation to Future GenerationsAmong the Community Environmental Council's (CEC) most devoted supporters is John Steed, who views CEC as a "vital, creative, and practical catalyst for helping us live high-quality...
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Featured CEC Legacy Donor Jessica McLernon: It's About the Future of Our Children"A healthy and habitable planet is the best legacy we can leave for our children." This is how Jessica McLernon sums up a guiding motif in her life. She...
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Featured CEC Legacy Donor Lee Heller: Champion of the Environment and the Welfare of All CreaturesFew people are as passionate about the health of our natural environment - and the welfare of both animals and people - as Lee Heller. And few are as ready as she is to...
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A Bright Light for the FutureCommunity Environmental Council's (CEC) Livable World Legacy Society is a community of generous and visionary donors who have included a gift to CEC in their will, trust, or estate plan.
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Ilene Segalove: An Artist Caring For Our FutureAs we prepare to celebrate Earth Day, in person once again after two years of Covid restrictions, it is noteworthy that the legacy donor featured this month...
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Paul Relis: A Pioneer for All SeasonsPaul Relis, the founder of Community Environmental Council, has been instrumental to the organization’s growth and evolution over the past 50 years. Paul was born in...
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Laura Francis: Inspiring Future GenerationsA love of nature, coupled with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility for our shared world, have been defining factors in Laura Francis' life.
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Jim and Ninnette Gildea: Railroad Pioneer to Environmental ActivistJim Gildea was born into a poor Irish family in Leadville, Colorado, an old mining town high in the Rocky Mountains, and later became a self-taught engineer, attaining...
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Selma Rubin: A Force for ChangeSelma Rubin holds a special place among environmentalists and social activists in Santa Barbara. She touched many lives, influenced many...
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Sharyn Main and Jim Hodgson: Passionate About Nature, Art, and CommunityFew people in our community are more deeply devoted to the integrity of our natural world and imbued with the insight that humans are intrinsically part of nature than...
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Bequest of InsuranceMarla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future.
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Karl Hutterer: A True Activist and PhilanthropistKarl Hutterer's life and career have spanned the globe. He grew up on a farm in the Alps, earned college degrees in the Philippines and Hawaii...
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General Donors
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BequestsJoe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.
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Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift to CharityJoanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
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Fixed Income for RetirementAfter working for decades as a pediatrician in a small town, Patricia is ready to retire.
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Tax-Free SaleHoward and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.
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Capital Gains Tax BypassedPeter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
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Peace of Mind Gift AnnuityMany years ago, Clara bought a home. Since she was very pleased with her home, she bought stock in the company that built the home.
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Endowment GiftPat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
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Sale and UnitrustGene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
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The Retirement UnitrustMary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm.
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Property Turns Into IncomeMiranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
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Flexible Deferred Gift AnnuityLuis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially in value.
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Part Gift and Part SaleSusan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake.
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Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)Keith has been a faithful supporter of Community Environmental Council and makes regular gifts to support our work.
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Transferable on Death (TOD) GiftsHarold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event Community Environmental Council held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
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Current GiftsAs is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
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A Bequest to Further Good WorkNancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
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Deferred Gift AnnuitySeveral years ago, Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock.
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Gift Annuity for Real EstateJonathan purchased his home many years ago for $80,000. The home is now worth $420,000. Jonathan wants to sell his home and buy a condo for $130,000.
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What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks, and IRAs.
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A Bequest to Save TaxesThomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.
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Leading for the FutureLuke and Cynthia spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
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Give it Twice TrustWhile visiting her favorite charity's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the charity for more information.
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Providing for Our Children's FutureRon and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
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Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!We have all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible.
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