Culture Meets Philanthropy

Carol Mohler supports the arts: literature, music, theater and art. One could say this deep appreciation of culture spills over into her philanthropy. As her mother taught her, ”No matter how little you have, you can always give something.”

Carol and her late husband, Jim, had a summer romance while she was waitressing in New Jersey during college and he was a dashing Army officer. She graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo (the last tuition-free class) and “Doc” —as he was known—had already completed his veterinary studies at The Ohio State University.

Doc visited the Northwest for salmon fishing and fell in love with the area. After moving out west, daughters Hope and Amy came along. Doc operated the Airport Vet Clinic in Tukwila and Carol taught early childhood education at Highline College. She’s proud of Hope, who left NBC and relocated to Puerto Rico, and Amy, who works for the global foundation Open Society in New York.

Carol lived in the family home in Burien for 42 years prior to moving to Wesley. She always liked Wesley Homes and had friends who were residents, but still did extensive research during her selection process. Arriving in 2011, she has moved three times: from a Cottage to a new Cottage to The Gardens building and now back to a Cottage. People ask, “Where to next Carol?”

Appreciating her tuition-free education, she believes in giving back. “Philanthropy allows others to sit in the shade of trees they did not plant and also make a better future for those following.” The Mohler Family Library in The Gardens—honoring Jim, Carol and their daughters—is testament to her philanthropic spirit.

Carol also gives of her time. She has been Chair of the Cottagers and serves as Chair of the Wesley Des Moines Campaign Committee. She values the caring community tradition at Wesley and the opportunity to help rebuild and renew the campus for current and future residents. Thank you Carol!