Fund Spotlight – Bob & Wilma Beckman Love Your Neighbor Fund

The Bob & Wilma Beckman Love Your Neighbor Fund was established by their sons to honor the kindly love often bestowed on friends and neighbors by their parents. When Wilma passed away, they shared these memories of their mother: “Crossroads in neighbors’ lives found her knocking on the door or sitting on a porch together, with her arms often loaded with a meal or flowers. Whenever one was lonely, she was there. Whatever the need, she said “I care.” Her deeds moved our world and by her example, we see that loyalty, sacrifice and perseverance are demonstrated through loving service. As Mother Theresa said “the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.’”

Bob, Brian and David aspire to seek out projects in the Shelby and New Era area to continue to serve the community as lovingly exemplified by their parents. One recent example of this service is the building of a handicapped ramp to provide freedom and relief for all. In this situation, a Shelby area set of grandparents were taking care of their daughter’s children and their granddaughter, Marleigh, was in a wheelchair. Grandpa was carrying the child in and out of the house, up and down the stairs, every day.

Through the combined efforts of a police officer, who facilitated the project and provided free labor; a local builder who assisted on the project; another builder who designed the ramp; Friend of the Court, who identified the need; materials sold at cost by Standard Lumber and purchased by funds given through the Bob & Wilma Beckman Love Your Neighbor Fund and Crystal Valley Care Fund; Love INC, who partnered with the Foundation as a fiscal agent; and volunteer hours given by youth on probation,  a ramp was built! “We can’t thank you enough for your help to build Marleigh’s ramp. It has made a HUGE difference in our lives. I was afraid these days would never come. Prayers answered!” said the grandparents.

You can support the Bob & Wilma Beckman Love Your Neighbor Fund, one of the Foundation’s 150+ Funds, or learn more about starting your own named fund here – www.oceana-foundation.org/give/.