Greenville’s Lifelong Legacy: How One Woman’s Heart for Pets and Kids is Changing Lives
In the charming city of Greenville, a remarkable story unfolds that not only echoes the compassion of its residents but also highlights the incredible power of generosity. Back in 2004, a remarkable woman named Margaret Linder Southern crafted a heartfelt plan to leave a legacy that would celebrate her love for both her beloved pets and her long-standing dedication to children. While many of us think about how we want to be remembered, Margaret took action – and what she initiated is now transforming lives across the community.
Guided by her financial advisor, Margaret teamed up with the Community Foundation of Greenville to create an endowment that became one of the largest gifts in the foundation’s history. Half of the annual distributions from her endowment were earmarked for the Greenville Humane Society, ensuring that those furry friends in need would receive the care and compassion they deserve. The other half was dedicated to supporting organizations focused on early childhood and special education services for the youth in Greenville. Fast forward to 2024, and her generous gift has grown to an eye-popping $8.4 million!
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Margaret sadly passed away in 2012, but her legacy continues to flourish. With the distribution of this year’s awards, the Margaret Linder Southern Endowment has handed out over $4 million in grants, a testament to her lasting impact on the community. Bob Morris, president of the Community Foundation of Greenville, shared just how inspiring her generosity has been. “Her gift was the accumulation of a lifetime of savings and investments that she entrusted to us to manage,” he said, pointing out that the foundation still retains the original amount Margaret gifted. “The impact that’s going to happen in the Greenville community is incredible, and we’ll keep making distributions forever in line with her wishes.”
Support for Our Furry Friends
This year, the Greenville Humane Society received a portion of the funding to aid its wonderful ‘Healing Place’ treatment facility. Rachel Delport, the CEO, expressed her gratitude, saying, “As a beneficiary, the Margaret Linder Southern Endowment provides operational stability, ensuring we can focus on our mission and continue changing the lives of our four-legged friends.” Thanks to this generous support, the Humane Society can now rescue sick and injured animals who might have otherwise faced bleak outcomes due to costly medical expenses.
Empowering Young Minds
In addition to helping animals, the endowment also allocates grants to various child-centered services. This year’s recipients include A Child’s Haven, the Center for Developmental Services, Poe Mill Achievement Center, Sunbelt Human Advancement Services Inc., and the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. The museum’s CEO, Lauren Luneckas, noted that their grant will be used to revamp its Construction Zone exhibit, set to inspire a new generation of budding builders. Estimated to welcome more than 1.5 million visitors after its debut next fall, this refreshing update aims to foster curiosity and creativity among young explorers.
“The Margaret Linder Southern Endowment Fund has been transformative for us,” Luneckas remarked. “With this support, we can enhance our exhibits and provide children with incredible, play-based learning experiences.”
A Legacy of Love
The story of Margaret Linder Southern is a powerful reminder of how one person’s passion and foresight can spark positive change for both animals and children alike. As community members enjoy the fruits of her labor, her spirit is undoubtedly felt across Greenville. The ripple effects of her love and kindness will continue to influence lives for decades to come, proving that dreams born from a loving heart can indeed leave a lasting impact.
For those who wish to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville and its inspiring initiatives, check out their website at cfgreenville.org.
