Inspired Giving is its Own Reward

By SUSAN K. FALLON, Director of the Navy League Foundation

This past August, the De-velopment Office at Navy League headquarters responded to a call for help from Navy League member David Lucas of Columbus, Ohio.

Lucas and his three brothers were hoping to do something special to mark their father’s 84th birthday, and they were looking for fresh ideas. Given that their father, Austin Lucas, is a retired Navy captain and a dedicated member of the Greater Columbus Council of the Navy League, our office seemed a logical place to start.

The Lucas brothers were on a quest for something a little more lasting and substantive than the usual golf paraphernalia or dinner gift certificate … something that spoke to their father’s life of service and consequence. The brothers decided that a personal inscription on the Navy League Honor Wall — a permanent installation in the lobby of the new Navy League headquarters building that opens in 2005 — might fit the bill nicely.

So they purchased an inscription, then presented dad with his official certificate of honor, beautifully framed and signed by Navy League National President Sheila M. McNeill, on his 84th birthday. From the photo and letter Capt. Lucas shared with us, it looks as if they made the right choice!

The good news is that there are many Navy League “gifts” from which to choose.

Recently, friends of an active Annapolis, Md., Navy Leaguer made a modest donation to the Navy League Annual Fund in lieu of buying him a birthday present. This simple gesture honored him and benefited his much-loved organization. This Lifetime Member was so thrilled that he has since told his family and friends to consider making this a standing tradition. As he put it, “At my age, I don’t need any more ties!”

One Army father gave his Navy son a Lifetime Member-ship to mark his transition to civilian life. Another family purchased multiple Honor Wall inscriptions to recognize three generations of Coast Guard and Marine Corps service among their clan. One Navy Leaguer donated stock to the scholarship fund, in honor of his wife, a long-term educator. And these are just a few examples of creative and meaningful generosity.

These gifts, and others, were a personal way to acknowledge a friend or family member’s love of country and commitment to the strength of our nation’s sea services.

Who do you know that would appreciate such a gift?

It is only with the support of patriotic Americans like you that the Navy League is able to continue its mission to fight for the strength and safety of the men and women who so selflessly put themselves in harm’s way.

Support your friends, your family, your country. Support the Navy League during this season of giving and remembrance. Make a gift donation to the Navy League today and experience just how rewarding inspired giving can be.

To learn more, please contact the Navy League Office of Development at (800) 356-5760 or development@navyleague.org.