15 May A Season of Impact: Philanthropy in Full Bloom at The Woodlands at Furman

At The Woodlands at Furman, generosity isn’t just a gesture—it’s a defining part of who we are. From record-breaking fundraising totals to meaningful volunteer efforts, our not-for-profit Life Plan Community continues to raise the bar on what compassionate giving looks like. As we reflect on the past few months, we’re proud to share the highlights of our philanthropic accomplishments, celebrate the people who made them possible and look at the opportunities that still lie ahead.

A Legacy of Love: Valentine’s Day Gala Recap

This year, we celebrated our fourth annual Legacy of Love Valentine’s Day Gala. With lively music from the Furman student quartet, delicious food and a warm crowd of supporters, the Gala beautifully showcased the heart of our community. One of the most meaningful moments came with the announcement of fundraising totals.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our residents and supporters, The Woodlands Foundation raised over $120,000. Of that:

• Over $100,000 was pledged to the Future Forward Education Endowment Fund.
• $50,000 of that total came from Stephen and Elaine Singer, who moved into The Woodlands just before Hurricane Helene. Deeply impacted by the dedication of our team during the storm, the Singers chose to give back in a transformative way.
• Additional gifts supported the Employee Appreciation Fund (approximately $5,000) and the Staff Hardship Fund (approximately $12,000).

Residents at the Gala had the opportunity to direct their giving using pledge cards, selecting from vital initiatives including education, employee support and hardship relief. It was a moving example of our community’s hand-in-hand spirit—providing for those who provide for us.

Record-Breaking Giving

The success of the Gala is just one part of a much larger story. This year’s Employee Appreciation Fund brought in $189,000 and was launched on the same day as the Helene Relief Fund, which raised an additional $40,000—proving our community’s capacity for extraordinary generosity even under challenging circumstances. The Staff Hardship Fund received $50,000 in support.

One of the most powerful examples of philanthropy this year came from a resident who pledged their full $1.3 million estate to The Woodlands. Their message was simple and heartfelt: “This community is my family.”

Capital Projects and Naming Opportunities

As The Woodlands continues to grow, so do the opportunities to leave a lasting legacy. Through philanthropic support, residents and families can help shape the future of the community while honoring loved ones or meaningful life experiences.

The Falls expansion introduces a unique chance to name key new spaces in recognition of significant gifts. These areas include places for connection, creativity and enrichment, such as the library, lecture hall, arts room, craft room and bistro. Naming gifts range in value from $25,000 to $215,000 and reflect a shared investment in the ongoing vitality of life at The Woodlands.

Our oldest resident, Doris Kessler, recently secured the naming rights for the new reading room (The Kessler Family Reading Room) at the age of 104. Her son, Dr. Michael Kessler, who also lives on-campus, shares her enthusiasm for supporting a future-focused community. Their gift is a beautiful example of how generosity can shape not just spaces, but stories.

Volunteerism Comes to Life Through the Heller Center

Volunteering has always been a cornerstone of life at The Woodlands. Now, thanks to the launch of The Max & Trude Heller Center for Community Engagement, our not-for-profit Life Plan Community is strengthening that foundation and creating bold new pathways for service.

With the support of the Heller family, the former Max & Trude Heller Library is being transformed into a dedicated hub for volunteerism, public service, creative partnerships and community submersion. Named in honor of two local icons known for their deep commitment to community, the Heller Center will serve as the home base for outreach programs both on-campus and beyond.

Led by Nancy Cooper (Coordinator for Community Engagement at The Woodlands), the Heller Center is poised to drive mission-aligned initiatives across five key areas:

1. Resident-led Service: From building dog chew toys for the Humane Society to writing uplifting letters to pediatric patients, residents now have easy access to meaningful, mission-driven opportunities. Whether new to volunteering or seasoned in service, everyone can find a way to give back that suits their time, interests and abilities.
2. Team Member Engagement: Surveys and conversations revealed that our team members want to make a difference. The Heller Center is working with human resources to develop service projects that invite staff to join residents in hands-on giving—deepening connection and purpose across departments.
3. Furman Partnerships: Nancy and the team are building bridges with Furman students, faculty and staff. Highlights include the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, volunteer opportunities in the Arboretum neighborhoods and engagement with Furman’s international student community.
4. Welcoming Outside Volunteers: For years, people across Greenville have expressed interest in volunteering at The Woodlands—especially in the Arboretum neighborhoods. The Heller Center will now provide the structure and coordination to turn that goodwill into action.
5. Expanding Public Programming: Looking ahead, the Heller Center will help bring the broader community into The Woodlands with initiatives like fine arts education, “New to Greenville” seminars and special service events that invite shared learning and civic engagement.

This visionary work reflects our deeper commitment to service as a not-for-profit community. Each year, we are called to demonstrate public good through outreach and engagement—and the Heller Center positions us to do so more powerfully than ever.

As Ezra Hall (Director of Philanthropy & Engagement at The Woodlands) shared, “Our residents are passionate advocates, dreamers and achievers. The Heller Center gives them, and all of us, a place to make real change—together.”

And it’s good for you, too. Studies show that people who volunteer often live longer, experience greater happiness and form more friendships. Whether you’re lending a hand at a food pantry, hosting a student during the holidays or helping transcribe historic documents from the comfort of your home, giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to live well at The Woodlands.

Looking Ahead

Exciting plans are in the works for upcoming events, including the return of Carolina Coast Fest—a laid-back, end-of-summer fundraiser featuring live music, oysters and a low country boil. Set for the middle of September, this on-campus celebration will raise funds for the Staff Hardship and Employee Appreciation Funds and feel just like a backyard party.

In November and December, we’ll also launch our annual Employee Appreciation campaign, which raised nearly $200,000 last year.