Usually this spot is a letter to everyone, but this one is different. I hope you understand.

Dear Marilyn,

Your late husband and our founder, James Dick, was and is an inspiration to countless people; you know how special he was. But I’d like to say how grateful we are to you. This organization, and this community, would be a much poorer place without you. Your spirit propels children, families, volunteers, administrators, and board members to create more, mentor more, do more, and be more.

What an example you set! You make time for us when we call seeking advice, you participate in our special events, and, like an angel on earth, you’re there for us when we need help. Remember the School’s badly overdue facelift? The new carpet, paint, repairs? That was mostly you.

Not only do you give generously, you regularly increase your giving. Your influence is greater than you know. All your children and their spouses are donors. We often receive donations from admirers of yours in the Knoxville area and even from out of state. Your grandson is a board member!

Our gratitude for your contributions is a given. But honestly, we are grateful simply to be in your sphere. All of us hope to put your goodwill to work in productive, ennobling, joyful ways. We will do our best. For you, we could not consider anything less.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Francis Graffeo

Executive Director

 

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