Member Spotlight

Reed mendelson

As a founding board member in 2000, what was your original vision for the Community Foundation, and how do you feel the Foundation reflects that vision now?

Community foundations were just getting going around the country, so we were making a lot of it up as we went along. I suppose we were looking to create a flexible vehicle to allow people to pay it forward. And for other smaller foundations to use us as an umbrella to save them money and legal expenses. Community initiative came later.

Tell us about people or experiences that have influenced your commitment to community. 

Not sure who or what. I have been so blessed by what SWLA has done for me. It is for me a debt I owe: Pay it forward. Lots of caring people setting a good example for me to follow, and my own concern for those who have not been so lucky.

You are a huge supporter of McNeese and the Banners program. What motivates you to support them in creative ways? 

MSU: Other than God’s gift to LC of deep water (the river), MSU is our most important asset. As I quote myself, “if LC didn’t have deep water and MSU, we would be Eunice.” As for Banners, I was fortunate enough to grow up exposed to the arts. That is why, in some small way support ICM (Imperial Calcasieu Museum).

But Banners is special, it provides culture and diverse experiences. In a town where (especially youth) complain about nothing to do in LC, there are plays and banners. And it drives people onto the MSU campus.

As a Professional Advisor, what motivates you to guide clients toward philanthropic giving, and how do you see the Community Foundation supporting their long-term goals—particularly in light of your instrumental role in establishing the Wayne Simmons Endowment Fund and the Beverly and David Schalon Endowment Fund? What stands out to you about these funds or the donors behind them?

As a CFP, I take a total approach to my clients’ goals and desires. My purpose is to give advice on alternatives for those who wish to donate now or create a legacy. Comm Foundation fits nicely into the options.

Two great examples of individuals who wished on their deaths to pay it forward. We discussed different ways to do that, and this fit best.

In your view, what makes the Community Foundation a meaningful partner to both donors and advisors?

I think option is a better word than meaningful. For donors who wish to support multiple charities conveniently, CF is a great vehicle. For advisors, and cpa’s, and attorneys who do planning. It should be if they are diligent.

Since you use a Donor Advised Fund, what do you want others to know about its ease of use?

I cross into both worlds. I created the fund to support children’s causes both now and forever. This fund allows me in any particular year to make multiple donations from one place to different charities, or none at all in a particular year, and let the fund grow. For example, for the last few years, I have made no grants because I have, for tax reasons, funded my causes out of other funds. All part of client planning (including myself 😊)

Additionally, when I pass, hopefully not too soon, this fund will receive an additional sum, and the children’s cause can be chosen by others as the needs are determined.