Truly embodying the philanthropic spirit of the couple for which the Sauer Charitable Leadership Award was named, this year’s award recipients also believe in the lasting
impact of charitable giving through endowment. Congratulations to Sonja and Hall Waddell for being role models of giving and exemplifying the Sauer legacy.
“It was fascinating to me how you can put a fairly small amount of money into an endowment and all of a sudden you look back 20 years later and the fund has more than doubled,” said Hall Waddell. “It’s just a captivating concept for people who want to do charitable giving. Although one-time gifts can make an impact, endowment funds continue to benefit community each and every year though they remain as valuable as the day the gift was given forever.”
No strangers to Henderson County or the Community Foundation, Hall and Sonja Waddell and their family have been leaving their mark on our community for five generations. The Waddell family has been instrumental in growing the Community Foundation of Henderson County since its inception. Hall served on CFHC’s Board of Directors in its infancy and continued service within the organization in a variety of capacities from 1983 to 2010. Both Hall and Sonja selflessly apply their love of philanthropy to engage others and promote community.
I just want to challenge all of ya’ll to look deep in your heart, to those things that you like, that you’d like to promote and to consider using the Foundation as your vehicle to do your charitable giving. It’s a wonderful thing.
- Hall Waddell
“The Waddells are a bridge connecting the past to the present and are continuing to be pivotal influencers in health, education, business, religious life, and are always cognizant of the quality of life in Henderson County,” stated CFHC Board Member and Sauer Recognition Committee Chair Stan Duncan.
The Community Foundation’s highest award – the Richard C. and Vina L. Sauer Charitable Leadership Award is presented each year at the Annual Luncheon event. Named for the Sauers, the award illustrates the generosity of a husband and wife team who supported many local charities during their lifetimes and left the first $1 million unrestricted gift to the Community Foundation as a bequest. Their endowment, along with other gifts, continues to provide resources to numerous causes throughout Henderson County as a guiding force of legacy giving.
“We appreciate the honor,” Hall Waddell told the crowd. “I just want to challenge all of ya’ll to look deep in your heart, to those things that you like, that you’d like to promote and to consider using the Foundation as your vehicle to do your charitable giving. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Sauer Award Winners are distinguished philanthropic leaders in our community. The list of past recipients along with information on how to nominate someone can be found HERE.