By Linda Zelig
Development Director

Nine years ago in 1997, Peter Wyckoff, executive director of the Metro Region of the Minnesota Senior Federation and Robert Nethercut, then president, sent letters to 13 members of the Federation inviting them to a dinner at the Bakken Library in Minneapolis. And thus on a cool Friday evening in April, amid hosting, toasting and sublime harp music, the Legacy Society was born. It had rained that day and by 6 p.m. the temperature had dropped to the mid-50s, but everyone showed up to give definition to a leadership circle within the Federation.

The Legacy Society was created to recognize, honor and more importantly, encourage significant giving to this organization. By 1997 13 people had been discovered as quiet little guardian angels of the Minnesota Senior Federation and it was time to honor their contribution to the life of this organization. The Legacy Society has grown since 1997. It now numbers 53. Of the original 13 charter members, seven survive and continue to help the organization thrive. In the past few months, several more Federation members and friends have qualified for membership. The Minnesota Senior Federation recognizes these people as leaders, not only by their financial ability, but also by the spirit of their giving. They are dedicated to this organization and they lead by inspiring others.

In a recent resolution passed by the board of the Metropolitan Region, Legacy Society membership criteria has been expanded and further defined. We invite you to join this circle of leaders by one of the following means: naming the Minnesota Senior Federation as a beneficiary in your will for at least $1,000 with written affidavit; giving a planned gift of at least $10,000; giving a major gift totaling $1,000 or more in one year; or establishing an associate membership with gift of $500 in one year and a pledge of $500 in the next year. The board also voted to extend the Legacy Society to all eight regions of Minnesota Senior Federation.

In the next few months, the Legacy Society will again demonstrate their leadership by taking the lead in establishing the Peter T. Wyckoff Endowment Fund in preparation for the Jan. 30 luncheon to honor Wyckoff's "legacy" and celebrate the Federation's future. We will also welcome and recognize new members into the Legacy Society at that luncheon. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me at 651/783-5006 or toll-free at 877/645-0261.