Couple's gift offers Butler County students a helping hand

Butler County inhabits a special place in the hearts of Lloyd and Geri From. They met at David City High School, and they continue to enjoy friendships that blossomed in the area decades ago.

"We have wonderful memories of life in Butler County," Geri said.

After high school and college, the couple settled in Lincoln for a few years before returning to the area to farm and raise a family outside of Rising City. Many of their pleasant recollections involve the compassion and consideration of neighbors and friends. Like many Greater Nebraska communities, people in Butler County look out for one another in times of need and celebrate together during times of joy.

"People helping people," Lloyd said. "That's just how it goes in Butler County."

Farmers in trouble, for example, wouldn't be surprised to find the community gathering to help them complete a harvest. When Geri received a breast cancer diagnosis, the community reached out and supported her during that difficult time.

"It's just wonderful to be surrounded by that kind of love and compassion," she said. "It was just so heartwarming."

Second to the Froms' love of Butler County is their belief in the transformative power of education, and their estate plans reflect that passion. The couple, now residing in Lincoln, established a scholarship account within the Butler County Area Community Foundation Fund - the Lloyd and Geri From Scholarship. Their gift will fuel the dreams of students in Butler County for decades to come. Their intention is to begin awarding scholarships sometime in 2024.

"Education is very important to our family," Lloyd said. "We tried to instill that in our kids and grandkids."

The scholarships will be awarded to students who either reside in Butler County or are graduates of David City Public Schools. Preference will be given to students enrolled in or intending to enroll in any accredited post-secondary educational institution, with preference given to those enrolled in or intending to enroll in a public community college. The scholarship committee will also look for students demonstrating academic ability, leadership, initiative, and concern for school and community.

The Froms found an ideal collaborator in Nebraska Community Foundation's Gift Planning Department. In addition to their professional advisor, the Froms sought guidance from NCF staff to help them create a plan that would ensure their vision came to fruition. Through their discussions, they decided to use their IRA to fund the scholarship account.

"They worked very closely with us to make sure this scholarship would impact what was important to us," Geri said. "We were impressed with how willing they were to listen."

Through this collaboration, the Froms created a scholarship account that matches their philanthropic vision of helping young Nebraskans gain a life-changing opportunity.

"When you receive that diploma, it's yours to keep," Lloyd said. "No one can take it away."

Nebraska Community Foundation's Office of Gift Planning can help you fulfill your charitable giving goals. Reach out to Director of Gift Planning Todd Mekelburg at [email protected] to learn more.

For information on how you can give back to your hometown, contact Nebraska Community Foundation's Office of Planned Giving, 402.323.7330 or [email protected].