Blaine and La Verne Briggs'

Blaine and La Verne Briggs' generosity is deep-rooted in their way of life. "Our greatest pleasure… is to utilize [funds] for giving."

Mr. Briggs shares about how, "contributing became a habit for the rest of [his] life," in his autobiography, One Fortunate Fellow.

"Charitable giving became a part of my life from a very early age. I believe I was age 5, 6 or 7 when the folks included me in a weekly allowance. They gave each of us boys money that we could spend or save as desired. My allowance was 15 cents. I could do with it whatever I wanted. However, mom and dad suggested that a part of it go into the weekly Sunday collection at our church. That became the start of my charitable gifting… Starting my married and business life, the size of contributions dwindled… But as our business profit expanded, so did our contributions… To see the effects or results on people and projects (because of our gifts) is very, very special."

"I thank the Lord (and some good timing!) for the great success of my printing career and the rewarding investments my business made possible. The best part about that success is that La Verne and I are now actively involved with charitable giving. It is a real joy. The estate "giving structure" we have created is helping us to share our hopes and dreams with succeeding generations of both our immediate, and what we call our 'Extended' family members."

"Looking back across my life and appreciating what I have been given and what we are now giving back, I really can say that I have been One Fortunate Fellow."

Mr. Briggs closes his "Legacy & Gifting" section of his book, by challenging us all to "Get to Work. Enjoy the adventures of investment, and - Reap the Rewards of Charitable Giving!"