Tribute gifts are donations made to a nonprofit in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one. These donations are made as a way to show appreciation, recognize a special event, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or remember someone who has passed away. When Ramona “Moni” Stodola passed away, her family decided to list the Council in her obituary as the recipient of financial donations made in her memory.
Moni was an active member of her family and community. She regularly played bridge, loved to cook, hosted family gatherings on holidays and volunteered for community activities, such as Meals on Wheels.
“Mom woke up one morning and could not see,” says her daughter, Carolyn. “She thought it was cloudy out. A friend recommended she contact the Council. When she did, they sent a lot of information and people to help her.”
For many, a gift to a favorite charity is appreciated more than a physical gift, and memorial gifts support causes that were important or essential to the person who passed away.
“People from the Council gave my mom a magnifier, helped her label her appliances, organized her kitchen and got her set up with large checks so she could continue to do her banking,” Carolyn explains. “It was wonderful because my family knew she wanted to stay in her house. We did not know anything about living with vision loss. She was able to stay in her home, thanks to the support she got from the Council. We are so grateful for all the help they provided and are glad we could give back.”
Another opportunity for a tribute gift is for a birthday celebration fundraiser. Asking for birthday donations in place of gifts is fulfilling to the giver, honoree and recipient. Next time your birthday rolls around, consider asking friends and family to make gifts to the Council.
For birthday gifts, the Council will notify the honoree, so be sure to include your name and address when you set up the fundraiser. Family members of the deceased are notified of memorial gifts.
Gifts can be made online at WCBlind.org/donate, by phone at (608) 237-8114 or by sending a check to:
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired
754 Williamson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Thank you for your support of the Council’s mission and work. Your gift helps people who are blind or visually impaired live their best life.
