Kathy is an active partner in Bridging’s mission.

As a five-year volunteer, she has shopped alongside people who furnish their homes at Bridging, helped out in the office, and served on the Gala for Bridging committee. Kathy and her husband Bob also support Bridging financially throughout the year.

Seeing and hearing the significant impact of Bridging as a volunteer, Kathy describes the importance of Bridging’s work and why she supports it.

“The mission is so compelling, and it’s local. You’re helping people get established. A whole household of furniture, a couch, bed, bedding, a kitchen table, dishes, pictures. It helps people get a new look on life and get a fresh start.”

Kathy and Bob are committed to supporting Bridging’s vision that everyone lives in a furnished home, now and in the future.

Kathy and Bob have designated Bridging in their estate planning. Through their planning and decision-making, they will support Bridging’s vital work beyond their lifetimes.

“We have an estate plan. The reason we do planned giving is to do something in perpetuity. We’re comfortable, we’re not wealthy. We give what we can. And I know that when I’m gone, somehow our gift will live on through Bridging.”

Kathy reflects on her family, her career, and many “touchstone moments” that have shaped her life, values, and choices. One of her most influential moments happened at Bridging:

“There was a gentleman I was working with at Bridging who had been living on the streets for 20 years. He said, “I only need a bowl, a plate, and a cup.” He said, ‘give the items to someone else.’ He wanted to make sure other people were taken care of by not taking too much. He found some furniture and other household items. He said, ‘I would have never dreamed I would have anything like this.’”

It was through this encounter that Kathy fully realized the impact of Bridging’s mission and a furnished home.

“Bridging’s work is important for so many people who are moving toward housing stability,” she says. By giving to Bridging, we can help level the playing field for so many people in the community and bring dignity and respect to their lives.”

Kathy invites community members to consider including Bridging in their estate planning.

To learn more, contact Maggie Mau at Maggie.mau@bridging.org or go to Bridging.org/legacy.