Behind every gift there is a story. For Centerville resident Kay A. George, grants awarded from her mother’s named endowment fund at The Dayton Foundation help her to tell the story of her mother, Theresa Teyber George.
“My mother was a loving and peaceful person,” said Kay George, a retired elementary teacher in the Dayton Catholic School system. “Both of my parents treated everyone with respect, kindness and generosity.”
"It’s wonderful to have such a respectable organization as The Dayton Foundation helping me to fulfill mom’s charitable legacy." – Centerville resident Kay A. George
Born in 1902 and raised in Dayton, Theresa George’s strong Catholic faith led her to do whatever was in her power to help someone in need. “When I was young, I remember her making bandages for soldiers during World War II or preparing meals for friends or family who were ill,” Kay said. “She was the go-to person when someone needed something. She was always happy to help.”
Before Theresa passed away in 2003 at the age of 100, she had made plans for a Dayton Foundation endowment fund that would continue her charitable gifts long after her lifetime. Now advised by her daughter, the fund has maintained its original value, while distributing grants totaling more than $1.5 million to charitable causes.
Through these grants, Kay has found meaningful ways to honor both of her parents, while continuing to support the organizations her mother most cared about during her lifetime. These have included providing support for a college scholarship through the Dayton Catholic Women’s Club, where Theresa was a longtime member, and for the athletic department at the University of Dayton, Kay and her father’s alma mater.
Kay also funded art glass windows in the Reflection Room at the Dayton Heart & Vascular Hospital at Good Samaritan Hospital, one of Theresa’s favorite charities. “For years to come people with loved ones in the hospital will find peace in the room, thanks to those windows,” Kay said.
Kay believes deeply in following the example set by her parents and in her religious upbringing. “Catholicism teaches us to live not just for ourselves,” said Kay, who also has her own Charitable Checking AccountSM through the Foundation.“If you are in a position to help, it’s your responsibility to do so. It’s wonderful to have such a respectable organization as The Dayton Foundation helping me to fulfill mom’s charitable legacy. She would have been very proud to know that her gifts were doing so much for her community.”