When the funds were transferred to Solano Community Foundation in April 2007, the Leslie Anderson and Virginia May Anderson Fund's $2.33M made it the largest fund the Foundation ever held.
But the sheer size of this gift is not the only factor that makes it so special. This Fund actually dates back to 1969, when Mr. and Mrs. Anderson created a charitable trust in their estate plan. Leslie, a decorated World War I veteran, and Virginia, his bride had no heirs. They did have a great affection for the youth of their community in Solano County. Upon Virginia's death in 1989, the Leslie Anderson and Virginia May Anderson Trust was endowed with nearly $500,000. For 18 years, a trustee and distribution committee fulfilled the couple's legacy with annual grants for youth.
By 2007, the Anderson Trust had grown to $2.3 million, and trusteeship was transferred to the Solano Community Foundation. Youth in Solano County continue to benefit from the generosity of this forward-thinking, community-minded couple and will forever. This is the real meaning of legacy.
Since 1989, the Fund has generated more than $2 million in grants. The original Trust also requires the trustee to place flowers on the Anderson's graves and those of nine other close friends and family members on Easter, Memorial Day, and Christmas. A Solano Community Foundation representative now makes a trip to the Fairfield and Rockville cemeteries on those holidays to respectfully and gratefully lay bouquets of fresh flowers on their graves - a tradition that will carry on forever.
Stephanie Wolf placing bouquets of flowers on the Anderson graves.