“When I was working in the insurance business and raising my family, I didn’t have a lot of money to spare, so I gave my time,” said Barney Rogers, who began working with children in 1955 at the age of 23. “I wanted to do something that would give me a better return on a satisfaction level. That’s why I focused on kids.”
Eventually, he earned enough so that he could give time and money to the organizations he cared about. He set up a $100,000 charitable remainder trust for that purpose, but after five years it still had not grown. In the meantime, he’d heard about The Oregon Community Foundation through friends and colleagues, so decided to check it out.
“I moved the same amount into an advisory fund at OCF five years ago, and it has grown to $140,000,” Rogers said. “I can now give away 6 percent, and it still grows each year by at least that much.”
The Rogers Family Fund makes annual distributions to organizations that assist young people in becoming better citizens. Rogers’ goal is to have his fund around even after he’s gone, with future contributions keeping it strong.
“I encourage my children to follow in my footsteps.” Each year Rogers gives a portion of money from the fund to each of his four children — ages 46 to 52 — to make their own distribution selections and deliver them personally to the recipients.
“OCF is probably the best kept secret in Oregon. The people are incredible, and the organization is doing a wonderful job.”