A Letter from Our Director of Development
Dear TreePeople Family,
With August in full swing, we celebrate National Make-A-Will Month—a time to reflect on the lasting legacy each of us can leave for the future of our environment. Legacy giving, or planned giving, is an extraordinary way to ensure your values live on, nurturing the earth for generations to come.
For over fifty years, TreePeople has been deeply moved by the transformative power of legacy gifts. These gifts have allowed us to grow our efforts in community forestry, mountain forestry, and environmental education across Southern California. One particularly meaningful example is our cherished partnership with the late Betty White, a passionate advocate for TreePeople. Her generous bequest has profoundly impacted our work, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our commitment to a greener world.
If you’ve visited our Coldwater Canyon Park, you’ve experienced the beauty of our Bohannon Picnic Garden, nestled at the start of the Betty B. Dearing Trail. This serene space, funded entirely by a planned gift, offers not just a haven for native plants but also a tranquil place for reflection and connection with nature. Such projects are living testaments to the enduring impact of legacy giving, serving as reminders of our shared vision for a healthier, more resilient Southern California.
Legacy giving is more than a donation; it’s a reflection of your deepest values and your dedication to the causes you hold dear. It’s about ensuring that the work we do together today continues to flourish long into the future. By including TreePeople in your estate plans, you’re making a powerful statement about your commitment to our planet and our mission.
We know that planning for the future is a personal journey, and we aim to be a trusted legacy partner for you and your loved ones. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our updated Legacy Giving webpage, a resource designed to make this process simple and accessible. Here, you’ll find everything you need to start your legacy journey, from detailed information on planned gifts to an interest form that connects you directly with our team.
When you choose to leave a legacy with TreePeople, you become a cherished member of our Legacy Grove. If you’ve already taken this step, please let us know through the form on our webpage—we want to celebrate your commitment and honor your extraordinary generosity.
Personally, I am continually inspired by the passion and dedication of our supporters. Legacy gifts are not just about securing TreePeople’s future; they’re about ensuring we continue to make a difference in the lives we touch and the communities we serve. Together, we can create a greener tomorrow, today.
I invite you to consider the impact you can have through a planned gift. Reflect on the future you want to create and know that your commitment will leave a better world for the next generation. If you’d like to learn more about legacy giving or discuss your plans, I’m here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us at legacy@treepeople.org.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Saxon Miller-Jones
Director of Development