The Joy of Tithing

A tithe is a tenth of something paid as a voluntary contribution. Irene's late husband, Dean, was taught to tithe as a boy in Tacoma, Washington.

"Dean would give our daughters a dime and they learned to take a penny to Sunday school," she recalls.

Irene taught school in England and learned, as an exchange teacher in Seattle, that her credentials weren't transferable. She returned to the U.S., married and enrolled at Seattle Pacific College while working and raising a family. Not only did Irene graduate from SPC (now SPU), a daughter and a granddaughter (graduating this year) followed in her footsteps.

Irene has been a part of the Wesley family for 13 years. She serves on the Campaign Committee and is a generous Wesley Community Foundation donor. Daughters Jennifer and Ellen have contributed as well. Thanks to savvy investing in local companies, and with guidance from her financial advisor, she has donated appreciated stock in addition to cash.

Irene is a member of the Foundation's Legacy Society as she feels tithing should also be part of a sound estate plan. Both currently and in the future, Wesley and SPU benefit from her generous spirit. Irene and her family are making a difference by leaving a legacy to the organizations that matter most to them.