The Davis Family: Creating a Legacy of Generosity
Since 1965, the Davis family has been practicing generosity. Bev and Rick Davis carry on a family foundation, teach the value of generosity to their children and grandchildren, and discover the legacy they want to leave behind.
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Bev grew up in a family dedicated to generosity and evangelism. Before starting their own family foundation, her parents served as Gideons, purchasing and placing small Bibles in hotel rooms.
She and her sister always participated. “It wasn’t, ‘You need to give, you need to do this.’ I just grew up knowing this is what you do.”
Later, it was natural for Bev, her husband Rick, and their daughter to take up management of the family foundation and continue the Davis’ legacy of generous stewardship. Even among family members who share a passion for generosity, finding agreement on where to give is no easy task.
Partnering with The Signatry gave the Davis family tools to discuss their goals and keep moving forward. As Bev explained: “Have a vision statement. Have a mission statement. Determine your values.” These pillars have provided a clear structure for the foundation’s giving—and for the legacy Bev and Rick want to carry on.
Today, the Davis family uses a special DAF to raise their grandchildren in this legacy. The children get a tangible example of generosity’s power when they see their dollars at work through an organization that trains puppies to support disabled veterans.
Your legacy isn’t about the money. The money will be spent. But those memories will last forever, and they’ll be passed on to the next generation.
Dive Deeper: More Davis Lessons:
Bev Shares Her Parents’ Generosity
Demonstrating generosity to your children when they are little can leave a memory with them for a lifetime. Just ask Bev Davis, who saw her parents give out Bibles as Gideons, started taking part, and never forgot the importance of giving to others.
Teaching Grandchildren Generosity
Rick and Bev have been looking for an opportunity to show their grandchildren just how important generosity can be. Using their donor advised fund, they have found ways to tangibly teach what generosity can do for someone’s life, so that their grandchildren will learn to do the same.
Bev and Rick: On Passing Down Values
One of the greatest things we can do is learn to be generous in the here and now, in the moments that God creates for us. Rick and Bev recently learned this with their grandchildren and their son in law. It shifted their legacy, and the values instilled in their future generations.