Remember Your Loved Ones With a Gift

By Janet Schuenke

A few years ago, my sister Beth moved into a Hammer apartment program with staff in the building available for her as needed.

These years were the best years of her life! She enjoyed eating meals in the community apartment with friends, going to sporting events, and was always looking forward to her next adventure with Hammer Travel. Mom told my brother, Al, and me that we needed to find people who could love and care for Beth as a mother would, and we found that love for Beth at Hammer. As Beth's medical needs increased, she moved into a Hammer group home with wonderful staff who lovingly and respectfully cared for my sister until she died this summer.

To find words to express how wonderful the Hammer organization is, it's impossible. Every time I turn around there is something else that just raises my admiration. As large as Hammer is, everyone works together like a loving family. My family and I are grateful for Hammer, and it is a dream come true for our family.

In addition to losing my sister Beth this summer, we also lost my brother, Al Tennessen, who served on Hammer's Board of Directors and was passionate about supporting Hammer's mission. Although he was deeply involved with many nonprofits throughout his life, he was adamant that all of his memorials be directed to Hammer. So far, more than 125 gifts of all sizes have been received in memory of both Al and Beth. They would be so proud!

Making a gift in memory of a loved one is the perfect way to continue your support of the organizations you care about. To learn more about honor and tribute gifts contact Ellen Timmerman-Borer at (952) 277-2433 or Ellen.TBorer@Hammer.org.