A late Gainesville couple has left millions of dollars to the community to be administered through the North Georgia Community Foundation which is marking its 40th anniversary.
“Following George’s death in 2017, Anne continued to carry forward the vision they had built together,” a NGCF news release says. “She remained deeply engaged in the causes they both cherished, committed to ensuring that their generosity would continue to make a difference well beyond their lifetimes. Together with their daughter, Irene, Anne thoughtfully planned a legacy that reflects the Thomas family’s values and enduring love for community—one designed to serve others for generations to come.”
After her death in March, that long-planned vision was fulfilled through the gift of “tens of millions” of dollars, entrusted to the NGCF. This gift established endowments benefiting twelve nonprofits and churches in Gainesville and Highlands, N.C.
The beneficiaries include Brenau University (Nursing Program), Eagle Ranch, First Presbyterian Church – Gainesville, Gainesville First United Methodist Church (Smart Kids Lunch Program), Gateway Domestic Violence Center, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Good News Clinics, Highlands Community Child Development Center, First Presbyterian Church – Highlands, the Gainesville-Hall County Meals on Wheels program, Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, and Sisu.
In addition to these endowments, the Thomas family’s legacy plan included an unrestricted gift to NGCF.
“At NGCF, we often say that generosity is about more than a gift—it’s about impact over time,” said Michelle Prater, NGCF President & CEO. “The legacy of Anne and George Thomas is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when philanthropy is rooted in love for community and guided by intention.”