Dietmar and Mary Lou Weselin met Community Foundation Executive Director Teri McNally years ago through Rotary Club of the Rappahannock-Fredericksburg. When the couple completed their estate plan this year, Chad Leitch of Thompson & Associates advised them to open a donor advised fund as an advantageous way to adapt to recent changes in the federal tax law.

Charitable giving has been a natural part of life for the couple for many years. Dietmar has been giving back to the community since he emigrated from Germany. (The couple met in Portofino Italy in 1977 and married in 1979). Mary Lou says she learned her values about supporting her community from her mother who "did whatever she could to help others."

They both feel there are many needs unmet through governmental social programs. They hope their charitable giving can make a difference in areas like medical research, as well as educational and social programs that could not exist without help from the private sector.

"Working with The Community Foundation could not be easier!" Mary Lou says, "We are very happy that we now are part of The Community Foundation, we like the way the foundation awards grants and we like to feel that we are helping our community."