LITTLE FALLS - There were three things Beverly Pantzke Johnston valued almost as much as her family: her hometown of Little Falls, higher education and the desire to give back to the community.
Even though Johnston never attended college, she wanted other Little Falls High School graduates to have the chance she never did. In late July, the Initiative Foundation learned Johnston, who passed away in 2013, had more to give to her hometown, leaving $336,000 earmarked for the Initiative Foundation-hosted scholarship fund that bears her name.
"Beverly's commitment to her community and her philanthropic heart sets a great example for all of us," said Kathy Gaalswyk, president of the Initiative Foundation, in a news release. "There are so many ways to share our time, talents and resources that create a better future for our hometowns. The Initiative Foundation is honored to serve as a partner in the Beverly M. Pantzke-Johnston Scholarship Fund."
Although she eventually moved away from her Little Falls roots (she and her husband lived and worked in the Crookston area before retiring to Washington state), Johnston's heart was always with her hometown. Her family has a long history of community involvement, including ownership of the Pantzke Brother's Grocery Store on Broadway.
Johnston's donation brings the total value of the scholarship fund to more than $450,000. Interest earnings from the fund are used to award annual scholarships. Johnston's generous bequest means the scholarship committee will have a considerably larger pool of money from which they can make awards to help college-bound Little Falls students meet tuition costs, the foundation reported.
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While 80 percent of Americans give to charities during their lifetime, Johnston chose to become one of 8 percent of all people who continue their support through a charitable bequest after they're gone.
Tom Gates, Johnston's nephew and the executor of her estate, said even in death his late aunt was able to support her passion and add to her hometown generosity. "If there's a saving grace for this country, it's keeping our kids educated," he said. "Beverly believed that."
There are many ways for people to support their passions even after they've passed away, said Eric Stommes, vice president for external relations at the Initiative Foundation. During their lifetimes, donors may choose to establish a named fund within a community foundation as a placeholder for future gifts. The fund can have a broad charitable purpose or be designed to support specific charities.
In the case of the Beverly M. Pantzke Johnston Scholarship Fund, Gates and his aunt worked with the foundation to establish the fund several years before she passed. Johnston made it a point to contribute to the fund annually.
"A charitable fund is a good vehicle for ensuring that your money goes where you want it to go," Stommes said. "You don't have to cut your kids or grandkids out of your will in order to leave to charity. Wills are a way to continue your generosity and extend your values past your lifetime."
