Legacy Giving Today Impacts the Presenters of Tomorrow for Port Huron Town Hall

For over seven decades, Port Huron Town Hall has illuminated our community, leaving an indelible impression on everyone it touches – from celebrated guests to devoted supporters. This cherished institution owes its stellar reputation to passionate volunteers who ensure our community enjoys access to renowned annual presenters. Imagine the incredible array of voices that have been featured on the Port Huron Town Hall stage right here in St. Clair County: world renowned celebrities, entertainers, authors, political leaders, inspirational presenters, journalists, athletes, musicians, artists, scientists, experts in various fields and of course, simply great storytellers with exceptional backgrounds and histories. All have graced the Port Huron Town Hall stage and made their mark. (For a complete list of past speakers, please click HERE.)

For those who cherish Town Hall’s exceptional contributions to our community, a special opportunity exists to ensure its vibrant future. Through the Port Huron Town Hall Foundation, one can designate a Legacy Giving plan, leaving a lasting gift that will resonate for generations. “Town Hall is truly a special gift to our community,” reflected Patty Lawrence, a Board member and a fourth-generation volunteer. “It began with a vision: a group of extraordinary women gathered with the simple yet powerful idea ofbringing quality speakers to our community, offering enlightening Monday mornings followed by shared lunches. Their diligent work created a system that has served as a guiding light for over 70 years of Town Hall Board members.”

Lawrence’s own commitment to Legacy Giving is a testament to her belief in Town Hall’s enduring impact. “My Legacy Giving journey began when I became President in 2007,” she explained. “I purchased two season tickets, with the intention of gifting the second to someone new, someone who hadn’t yet experienced the magic of Town Hall but would embrace the opportunity. I still continue this practice today.” Her generosity evolved as life unfolded. “In 2023, I sponsored a speaker’s fee in memory of my daughter-in-law, who passed away in 2022. She often joined me at Town Hall, and it felt like a beautiful way to honor her memory.” Further demonstrating her dedication, Patty and her husband updated their wills and trusts, designating a portion to Port Huron Town Hall. “My hope is that this gift will empower the Board to secure speakers they dream of, even if they might otherwise be beyond budget, or simply to amplify their ability to bring in the highest caliber of presenters.” Through her thoughtful and heartfelt commitment, Patty Lawrence is not just ensuring the financial stability of Town Hall; she’s safeguarding the exceptional quality and inspirational caliber of its programming for years to come.

Legacy Giving is the act of making a charitable donation through one’s estate plan, typically through a will or trust. It’s a way to leave a lasting impact on a cause or organization beyond one’s lifetime. Legacy gifts are often larger than typical donations and may involve assets like life insurance, retirement funds or property. These gifts and plans are deliberate and strategic with the goal of ensuring the supported organization will have longevity, growth and future generational success. 

For Patty Lawrence, her family’s connection helped her engage in Town Hall and make the decision to become a Legacy Giver. “My Grandmother and some of my great Aunts volunteered on the Town Hall Board. They would host Tea Parties to sell tickets in the early stages of Town Hall’s inception. As a teen, I would help my Grandmother pour the coffee and tea at these functions. Little did I know what it was all about, I really was there for the goodies and to help my Grandmother clean up after the event.”

“At the Community Foundation, we’re proud to support organizations like Port Huron Town Hall that enrich our community year after year,” said Jackie Hanton, Vice President of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. “A meaningful part of that support is helping donors create a legacy through Town Hall – something deeply personal and lasting. Legacy Giving ensures that the programs and experiences Town Hall members cherish today will continue to inspire future generations. We make the process simple, thoughtful and tailored to each donor’s wishes, so that their gift reflects what matters most to them – and enriches our community for years to come.”

“For as long as I have been on the Board it still amazes me how generous the members are with their time and how much work they do to present a season of wonderful speakers,” shared Patty Lawrence. “Without PH Town Hall I would not have been able to meet these interesting speakers or hear their incredible stories. I love to promote Town Hall! After my time on the Board comes to an end, I plan to still support them with my Legacy Giving.”

If you would like to learn more about Port Huron Town Hall, its current season or how to become a donor to ensure its high quality of speakers and impact for generations to come, please go to porthurontownhall.com. For information about Legacy Giving to a favorite nonprofit organization such as Town Hall, please contact the Community Foundation of St. Clair County at stclairfoundation.org  

With your planning and generosity, the community can reap the benefits of Port Huron Town Hall’s elevated quality of programming for decades to come. Through its vision, the possibilities of who could become a future speaker are truly endless.