Cathie and Lydia Rosado

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” That quote from Forest E. Witcraft, beneath the word “Priorities” and the picture of a young boy, has been prominent in Cathie Rosado’s home décor since college.  Having both adopted and natural children tested the resolve and made that quote real.   As the first children have moved into adulthood some of being “important in the life of a child” has changed to include a longer term legacy. 

Approaching a milestone birthday and realizing the goal of establishing her own foundation to leave a legacy was not practical led Cathie to the community foundation offices to explore alternative options of donor advised funds, designated funds and endowments.  Legacy, defined as Leaving an Everlasting Gift to Affect Change in Youth, is the theme that drives Cathie’s interest in Forever Lancaster. She can affect change in youth through ever changing ways with a donor advised fund, through Christian education with the Veritas Academy endowment and through character developing sports with the Upward Fund.

Legacy also means preparing the next generation to follow in her footsteps.  Daughter Lydia has displayed considerable interest in philanthropic endeavors and establishing a donor advised fund that she will eventually manage on her own is a natural step in continuing the legacy. 

“A hundred years from now my bank account and car will be gone and someone else will be living in our house, but Lancaster County will benefit because we joined the Forever Lancaster movement.”