A Legacy of Gratitude: Bernice Huff Roop’s Gift to Ross
Bernice Huff Roop moved to Ross with her family when she was six years old. Her journey may have taken her out of Ross briefly, but she moved back permanently her freshman year of high school. She’s been a Ross Ram ever since.
Ross is where Bernice lived and loved, raised her children and yes, even lost. After 25 years of marriage her husband passed away. She would marry again and create a career for herself as a lab technician at P&G. Bernice has the distinct honor of holding a patent through P&G with only her name attached.
“People tell me it’s a big deal,” she laughs, “I guess it kind of is.”
When Bernice and her husband retired their investor encouraged them to start a charitable remainder trust.
“Giving back to the community was important to both of us,” she says. “I’ve always been thankful for what I have and this way whatever remained of the Trust after my passing would go to charities we had chosen.”
In addition to some other organizations Bernice has chosen to leave a portion of her trust to the Ross Community Foundation, the first Legacy, or estate gift, the Foundation has received.
“We just don’t have words for how grateful we are that Bernice has chosen to support the RCF in this way. We are humbled and grateful that she has entrusted us with this incredibly personal gift,” says Martha Mehl, RCF Board Chair.
There are a myriad of ways that a person can give to a Community Foundation, the Legacy gift is a particularly impactful way.
“Estate gifts and bequests are critical aspects of a Community Foundation,” says Jacob Stone-Welch, Director of Donor Services for the Hamilton Community Foundation. “These gifts support the community in perpetuity. Bernice’s gift literally leaves a legacy that will last forever and the community is the ultimate beneficiary.”
“We are just glad we have been able to thank Bernice personally for this honor,” says Mehl.
For information about how to become a Legacy member of the Ross Community Foundation or how to support the Foundation, call Martha Mehl at 513-738-0909 or Jacob Stone-Welch at 513-341-6985.
The Ross Community Foundation (RCF) was established in 2022 as an affiliate organization of the Hamilton Community Foundation. RCF has 38 founding families and/or businesses who donated more than $500,000 to create an unrestricted grant fund to support Ross organizations and families. RCF is focused on health, social issues and education. They continue to grow in scope and impact.
