When George and Marilyn Seagraves moved to Lombard from Kansas 40 years ago, they were taking a leap into the unknown. Little did they know that over the years to come, they would make this community their home—and, more than that, they’d help shape it.
George, known to his friends by his middle name, Ed, is a lifelong public servant. He became Lombard’s youngest fire chief at age 34. He’s spent 38 years as a member of the Lombard Rotary Club, volunteers weekly with the local food pantry, and has been president of the Lombard Historical Society for four years. Marilyn, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) and advisor since 1979, quickly got involved with local organizations and made community service a central part of their family’s life.
“Giving back is woven into the fabric of our lives,” Marilyn said.
Now, the Seagraves are making sure that spirit of giving lives on in DuPage’s future.
Supporting the Community Today & Tomorrow
After seeing the Rotary Club and some of its other members create funds with us, the Seagraves were struck by both the immediate and long-term impact. They saw how these investments were directly helping the Rotary Club and the greater community at large.
“I saw that [the Foundation] is here for charitably-minded people who want to give back to the community as part of their financial plan,” Marilyn said. “The Foundation can help meet their needs.”
In addition to giving during their lifetime, the Seagraves have named DuPage Foundation in their estate plan and have become members of our Legacy Society. Their goal is to provide long-term support to benefit the people and organizations that they cherish the most.
One of their hopes is to make sure initiatives like the Rotary Club’s annual Warm Coats Project keep going strong. Each year, this coat drive supplies local grade school students with winter outerwear. The Seagraves match donations made by Rotary members to keep the program growing and meeting the local need.
Marilyn and George (center) with their kids and grandkids.
The family also cares about preserving local history and strengthening community roots, and part of their fund will support the Lombard Historical Society.
“We see history as being something that is active today, and that allows us to stand on the shoulders of the people who went before us,” Marilyn said. “If they did it, we can do things that make a difference, too.”
Finally, they see that the needs of DuPage will continue to evolve over time, so part of their commitment will support a community grantmaking endowment for housing, hunger, and clothing—ensuring DuPage residents’ basic needs continue to be met though their family’s legacy.
George and Marilyn on their wedding day in 1973.
Create a Lasting Legacy
Our Legacy Society honors the generous, forward-thinking donors who have included us in their estate plans. By naming our organization as a charitable beneficiary, you can ensure your generosity will have a transformational impact for generations to come. We will receive, administer, and provide ongoing stewardship of your planned gift to ensure your intentions are honored.
To learn more about joining this special circle of community friends, please contact: Michael Trench, vice president for advancement, at michael@dupagefoundation.org or 630.665.5570.
