Rick and Sue share their motivation in giving to do ‘the most good’
When Rick Martin inherited the balance of his father’s IRA, he and his wife, Sue, had one question: “Where could this money do the most good?”
It was Sue, a former pre-school aide, who suggested looking into organizations affected by federal budget uncertainties, particularly those supporting early childhood education. A quick search for Head Start led them to Community Progress Council — and a new philanthropic journey began.
Though new to Community Progress Council, Rick and Sue are no strangers to giving back. Both have long supported causes close to their hearts. But their visit to Community Progress Council opened their eyes to the breadth of services offered.
“I knew CPC was broad,” Rick says, “but it’s amazing the programs you offer and the amount of families you serve.”
What struck them most was Community Progress Council’s comprehensive approach.
“It’s not just about telling someone to go get help,” Rick explains. “You coach someone from beginning to completion, to help with food, housing, budgeting. It’s all intertwined.”
Their unrestricted donation gives the team at Community Progress Council the greatest flexibility to meet the needs of York County families — an intentional choice.
“It’s important for us to put our trust in the management at CPC,” Rick says. “Who better than the people are who dealing with it day in and day out to know where our gift could do the most good.”
For the Martins, giving is about creating opportunity: “We had support growing up. Not everyone does,” Sue reflects. “You just want everyone to have a better life, and to be given a chance.”
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Community Progress Council empowers people to move toward economic self-sufficiency. But, we can’t do this work without donors like Rick and Sue — and you!