Learn About 'Take Stock In Children Of Manatee County' And How To Get Involved

From Take Stock Manatee:Lakewood Ranch has a reputation for generosity and Mrs. Mary Lloyd Ross certainly lives up to that. She will tell you, “My friends call me Mary Scott. It’s my first name just two words.” This was all part of a brief getting to know you lunch we recently had.

Mary Scott then launched into a series of financial questions regarding Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. As the Executive Director of the organization I am happy to answer any questions regarding this powerful and proven program. I explained Take Stock’s 501(c)3 not for profit status and how every dollar donated for scholarships will be matched by The Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Thereby, doubling the local impact of the investment by multiplying each a dollar. “That’s a good thing”, Mary Scott observed. Then she told me an amazing story:

“My Mother graduated from high school in the depths of The Great Depression. She did not have the family backing nor the financial resources to go to college. Throughout her otherwise happy life Mother always felt that she had missed a valuable opportunity. She and my father worked very hard to make sure that my brother and I did not miss the college experience. I want to help. I want to make sure that someone else does not miss the opportunity like my Mother did. What’s the buy in for a scholarship?”

I answered her question, with “$10,000 for a four-year tuition scholarship” and watched the color drain from her face. “That’s about twice what I expected”, she said. I responded that we are grateful for donations in any amount. Mary Scott sat silently for a moment and I could see the wheels turning in her head. Then she reached for her checkbook.

Now it was my turn to sit quietly while a check was written. With a few tears sprinkling her cheeks, Mary Scott handed me a check for a full scholarship. Tears welled in my eyes as well.

I expressed my gratitude for Mary Scott’s generosity. But in her modesty, she revisited our 501(c)3 status. “I’ve been looking for a good tax write off and Take Stock fits my needs. It’s like the old Chinese proverb. You are breaking the cycle poverty by giving students the ability to catch fish for the rest of their lives.”

At this time of the year many folks are looking to make charitable contributions to help minimize their tax bite. I would ask that you consider Take Stock in Children of Manatee County. We are particularly thankful and appreciative of our donors regardless of the amount donated. Checks should be made payable to Take Stock Manatee and sent to Take Stock in Children, 2501 63rd Ave. E, Bradenton, FL. Our website takestockmanatee.org has a wealth of information about us as well as secure on line donation capability.

Photo courtesy of Take Stock Manatee