Donor Profiles
Bunk Farrington
Without question, Independence attorney Buford Farrington is an expert in estate and business planning and in the preparation of wills and trusts. His selection to the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel attests to that.
Perhaps more meaningful to clients of Humphrey, Farrington, McClain & Edgar, however, is the fact that Bunk (as he is known by all) is an expert at listening. "The most important thing I do is listen to the goals my clients want to accomplish," Bunk says. "I can then assess their situation and pursue opportunities for them to achieve their objectives."
When those objectives involve charitable giving and reducing taxes, Bunk often calls on the services of the Community Foundation. Bunk sees that relationship with the Foundation as one that benefits both the client and the community. And when he recommends the Foundation as a vehicle to assist his clients, it's a responsibility that he takes very seriously. "First — and very importantly — the Foundation is a sound entity that my clients and I can trust," Bunk says.
"Second, there are things that can be done through the Foundation for our clients and their beneficiaries that couldn't be done otherwise. And third, the staff and the entire organization of the Foundation are set up to meet the needs of our clients and of the community."
While many clients wish to contribute anonymously — such as the multi-million dollar Charitable Fund one of his clients set up in 2000 — Bunk says the Foundation is an excellent way to draw attention to charities. "Giving through the Foundation is an excellent way for clients to publicize an activity without bringing attention to themselves. That's just one more way the Foundation serves as an excellent tool for our community," Bunk concludes.
Gene and Mary Haug
Throughout their married life, Gene and Mary Haug of Raytown supported charitable causes in Eastern Jackson County. Through their St. Bernadette parish and on their own, and with contributions of time and money, the Haugs found ways to help those who were less fortunate.
That generosity was clearly embraced by the family's four children and their spouses — Roger and Kelly Haug, Michelle and Randy Cummings, Darin and Sarah Haug, and Gina and Ken Crum.
When Gene, who was an engineer at Hallmark Cards and a reserve Kansas City police officer, passed away in 1995, Mary, a homemaker, and her family established the Haug Family Foundation. Initially established with a $5,000 contribution to the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, the fund has since grown with yearly contributions from the family. Eventually a larger endowment will pass to the Foundation.
"Setting up a fund with the Foundation was the ideal way to honor our father," says Darin. "At the same time, it offers a vehicle for our mother and all of us to continue doing good things for the community."
The Haug's tax advisor, Foundation Board Member Mike Martin, helped in the process of setting up the fund. Today, grants are awarded to causes that the family becomes aware of through the Foundation and their church and through community involvement.
"We feel we're building a fund that will grow and perpetuate itself," Darin says. "We've organized the process by which we consider needs in the area, and we're now able to proactively seek those entities that can use our help.
"Best of all, Mom has been an integral part of that process and is helping shape the way the fund will assist the community in the future."
|
