COUPLE’S BEQUEST TO ENSURE FUTURE SUPPORT FOR BOK TOWER GARDENS
Timothy Hartsfield and Jody Shellene both grew up visiting Bok Tower Gardens with their parents. As adults, they have invited relatives and friends to join them for birthday/anniversary celebrations and holiday get-togethers, particularly Thanksgiving. Tim also enjoys the special connection of sharing an October 9 date of birth with founder Edward Bok. “The beauty and tranquility of the Gardens invites us to step back and reflect on life,” he says. “Our visits ground us and inspire gratitude within us.”
To ensure their support continues far into the future, the couple has arranged a percentage bequest in their will to Bok Tower Gardens. “Our gift will continue our support in perpetuity to help this beautiful space stay alive,” they say. “The amount of the gift may change as our assets change. We are taking care of ourselves now, and we will help take care of the Gardens when we make our transitions to heaven.”
As members of the Tower Key Society, which celebrates members of the Gardens for 20+ years, they attend the annual Tower Key Society breakfast to learn what is happening behind the scenes. And they always visit during the holidays to see the special horticultural displays and “Spring Bloom” to enjoy the camellias and azaleas in bloom.
“Bok Tower Gardens is a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility, a unique place where the harmony of nature, art, and music feeds our souls,” Jody says. “It has been a constant source of serenity and inspiration for us, and we are proud to support its timeless mission to preserve this peaceful oasis for generations to come.”
Tim and Jody encourage others to consider the legacies they could leave to support the Gardens. “We may need our assets in the future, but when we are gone, we want to be sure that Bok Tower Gardens continues to thrive,” Tim said. “It’s a space that inspires reflection and reminds us of the simple yet profound joys of life,” Jody adds. “With everlasting gratitude for Edward Bok’s gift to humankind, we want to help ensure that his gift continues for generations to come.”
"Our gift will go into the endowment, and we will continue our annual support in perpetuity to help preserve this space of peace and tranquility."
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