A Legacy of Community Philanthropy Lives on for Fergus Falls Family
The passing of Virginia "Ginny" Adams in August 2020, just shy of her 93rd birthday, ended the Adams family's multi-generational presence in Fergus Falls. Yet for her nephew David Hage, the Adams legacy should not only live on, but inspire future generosity.
"My wife, Therese, and I so admired the tireless energy that Ginny brought to making Fergus Falls a better place, as well as her passion for music, books, trees, parks, compassionate leaders and other things that make a vibrant community," Hage said. "We were also mindful of her generosity in supporting local projects such as the Fergus Falls Library and A Center for the Arts. So, when Ginny died, we felt there should be a way to honor her legacy while ensuring continued support for the values that she and my Uncle Tuffy (Ginny's late husband Samuel) embraced."
Hage connected with Rebecca Petersen, director of development for West Central Initiative. West Central Initiative manages philanthropic funds for communities, families, and organizations throughout west central Minnesota.
"Rebecca understood instantly and made everything happen," Hage said.
Petersen is proud to launch the Virginia S. and Samuel P. Adams Tribute Fund. The mission of the fund, Petersen said, is to advance the cultural and civic life of the Fergus Falls community and support the arts and music, literacy and books, history, and green space. It is the first tribute fund established through West Central Initiative.
"Creating an endowed tribute fund honors you, your family, or loved one now and into the future," Petersen explained. "This can be done during one's lifetime or after, assuring that someone's interests or causes are supported for generations to come."
The Virginia S. and Samuel P. Adams Tribute Fund, launched through support by Ginny's children, nieces and nephews, is designed to support the values and passions of Ginny and Tuffy. The family also wanted to leave it somewhat open-ended, with the idea that the people of Fergus Falls will best understand its needs and produce the best ideas to enrich the community in the future.
"Ginny, Sam, and her family have supported Fergus Falls in so many ways," Petersen said. "Now we, as a community, have a way of paying it forward."
