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A Father’s Gift to His Three Daughters In 1997, H. Louie Koester, III, a retired banker and former CCF Board Member, came up with a special Christmas present for his three grown daughters - Meredith Koester Southgate, Elizabeth Koester Morton and Joyce Koester Marshall to remember their mother, Elizabeth (known and loved by all as Betty). He created a fund for them so they could make charitable gifts during their lifetimes in celebration of their mother's life and generous spirit.Since the establishment of the fund, the sisters have helped it grow by putting the annual earnings back into it. Ultimately, the larger fund will generate more charitable dollars each year. Then the true "giving" power of their endowed fund can be realized. Sisters may not agree on many things, but benefiting others is the best reason of all to come together. Merrie, a science teacher, has written two children's novels whose purpose is to inspire middle grade students to become more fully engaged in both science and reading. Joy, a senior vice president for Wachovia Bank, is also a dedicated cyclist, logging hundreds of miles to raise money for charities. Elizabeth, a nutritionist who specializes in treating diabetic patients, has devoted her career to teaching wellness and has authored a cookbook on healthy eating and lifestyles. Each morning, Merrie smiles at a ceramic plaque on the sill of her kitchen window. A gift from sister Joy, it reads, "No one listens and understands like my sister." |
 Ruby Cornwell Pendergrass Judith Baird Juanita Brown Linda Plunkett Kay Chitty Pearlstine and Mendelsohn Three Sisters Anne Marie Kathryn White Women Making a Difference |