News Summary
The city of Marion, North Carolina, has been blessed with a substantial estate gift from the late Susan Nanney Leffé, amounting to $405,000 for the Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund. This contribution reflects her deep commitment to the community and her faith. The gift aims to support the historic church’s ongoing needs, ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.
Marion, North Carolina, Receives Generous Gift from Local Philanthropist
The lovely city of Marion, North Carolina, has just received a heartwarming boost from the late local philanthropist Susan Nanney Leffé. Known for her deep faith and commitment to her community, Leffé was a cherished member of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville and Our Lady of the Angels Church in Marion. After her passing, her legacy has left a significant mark, most notably through a generous estate gift of $405,000 to support the Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Leffé, who served as secretary and treasurer of Linville Caverns Inc., was not just a resident of Marion; she had a cozy condo in Asheville where she often spent her time. Her passion for her faith fueled her dedication to the churches she attended, and it’s evident that her love for them extended far beyond her lifetime. In 2001, she first expressed her intentions to leave a gift for the church, a testament to her commitment to her faith and the community.
Impact of the Estate Gift
The sale of her Asheville condo provided a remarkable $405,000 gift to the Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund, an essential resource that supports the general needs of this historic church. Established in 1905 and designed by the renowned architectural duo Rafael Gustavino and Richard Sharpe Smith—the very same architects behind the famous Biltmore House—the basilica is not only a center of faith but also a landmark of history and artistry.
The Purpose of the Endowment Fund
The Basilica of St. Lawrence Endowment Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining the church and its various initiatives. This permanent fund ensures that only the interest generated is spent, which makes the donations tax-deductible. The endowment is utilized for essential capital improvements, educational programs, charitable outreach, and the everyday operations that keep the parish thriving. Since its inception in 1997, the fund has been a backbone for supporting the parish’s needs.
A Community Awakening
Local leaders, including Monsignor Roger Arnsparger, the pastor and rector of the basilica, have expressed deep gratitude for Leffé’s generous estate gift. It serves as an extraordinary reminder of how one individual’s faith and commitment can lead to monumental benefits for the entire community. As Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director, noted, Leffé’s steadfast intention reflected her devotion to her faith and the church through strategic estate planning.
Inspiring Future Generosity
This inspiring story has sparked conversations within the community about the importance of planning for the future. Parishioners are encouraged to consider setting up or adding to an endowment that would benefit their own parish or Catholic school. There are several practical options for establishing an endowment: bequests in wills, retirement plan beneficiary designations, trusts, annuities, and even gifts of real estate and securities.
A Legacy of Faith and Community
Susan Nanney Leffé’s exceptional gift resonates with the values of giving and community spirit. It reminds us that thoughtful planning and love for one’s faith can create lasting impacts that extend well beyond our time with those we cherish. Her memory will surely continue to inspire future generations to support the beloved institutions that shape their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Business North Carolina: Duke Endowment Commits $15M for Helene Relief
- WLOS: Save America’s Treasures Grants $257M Funds Asheville Basilica
- Blue Ridge Now: Cecil Estate Provides $3.1 Million Gift to Rural Community Scholarship Program
- Business North Carolina: Wilmington’s New Endowment Encounters Growing Pains
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- Google Search: Estate Planning
- Google Scholar: Community Endowment
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
