The Power of Vision
Estate planning is an important way for those who have lived and prospered in a community to provide for its future. By entrusting gifts to the Community Foundation, donors can ensure that their contributions will be used wisely to address future community needs, and that their personal legacies will be extended far beyond their lifetimes.
The Paul Clarke Legacy Society is comprised of individuals who have made known their intent to create permanent funds at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne-either during their lifetimes or through estate planning. The society was established to recognize donors, provide opportunities for members to learn more about the community’s needs and better connect donors with Community Foundation programs, staff, and services.
The Story of Paul Clarke
In 1954, Paul and Helen Clarke moved to Fort Wayne where he was instrumental to the growth of North American Van Lines, which was later purchased by Pepsico. Upon his retirement, Mr. Clarke became the volunteer executive director of the Community Foundation from 1973 to 1984.
During Mr. Clarke’s term as executive director, he and Mrs. Clarke contributed millions of dollars to the Community Foundation through stock donations. Those gifts eventually created two funds that provided charitable grants in the community: The Paul Clarke Foundation and the Advised Clarke Endowment Fund. According to the wishes of Paul Clarke, at the end of 2006, those funds were combined to create the Clarke Endowment Fund.
Paul and Helen Clarke’s decision to move to Fort Wayne has made our community a better place to live. Their legacy to our community continues to affect the lives of children and families throughout Allen County through the two Clarke funds. The Clarke’s gifts to the Community Foundation have resulted in more than $23 million granted to nonprofit agencies in Allen County.
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