LEAF receives a $400,000 gift from the Estate of George and Shirley Torrey.

George and Shirley Torrey were long-time supporters of LEAF and in particular, opportunities for students to be involved in the student activities programs in District 742. George was one of our closest advisors when LEAF began in the early 1990’s and served two terms on the LEAF board of directors. In 2002, the Torreys made a $65,000 gift that enabled LEAF to reach our $140,000 goal and save the junior high activities program, which had been cut by the school board during difficult financial times for District 742. LEAF may never have gotten that program back if the Torreys hadn’t stepped in. In 2008, the Torreys made a $100,000 pledge over 5 years to LEAF as part of the “15th Anniversary Campaign.” These funds were used to establish a LEAF Legacy Fund in their name and provides grant assistance through our Activities Endowed Fund.

In 2012 George signed a “Letter of Intent for a Future (Estate) Gift to LEAF”. Shirley passed away in 2018 and George passed away in June of 2020. Although their Letter of Intent was not a legal document, just an indication of his intent, we have been informed by the Bremer Trust department that we will be receiving a $400,000 gift as part of the Torreys’ Estate Plan.

This gift will be deposited into the LEAF Activities Endowment with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and will mean that we will be able to grant an additional $20,000 each year to activities programs in District 742! It will also increase LEAF’s total endowed funds from $1.4 million to $1.8 million and enable LEAF to make $90,000 in grants each year, just from LEAF endowed funds. Because of the generosity of individuals like the Torreys, LEAF’s endowed fund and our total impact on education in District 742 continues to rapidly grow!

The Torreys have also financially supported other nonprofits in the St. Cloud area. Though their generosity to LEAF, many students will receive opportunities that they otherwise would not have had. George was never shy about us letting the community know when he had made a significant gift to LEAF. He believed that if others knew the importance he placed on education and his commitment to support LEAF, perhaps they would also consider giving at whatever level they could. Consider the Torreys’ gift and how you could benefit the community by leaving a legacy gift.