Rebekah Children’s Services will receive $1.1 million from an
fund left by a former citrus farmer in Ventura County in southern
California.
Eleanor Villareal, public relations officer from the
organization does not understand why 93-year-old Russell Fischer
from Ventura County would donate to a non-profit organization in
Santa Clara County.
By Betsy Avelar Staff Writer
Gilroy – Rebekah Children’s Services will receive $1.1 million from an fund left by a former citrus farmer in Ventura County in southern California.
Eleanor Villareal, public relations officer from the organization does not understand why 93-year-old Russell Fischer from Ventura County would donate to a non-profit organization in Santa Clara County.
“I honestly feel that he was probably involved with the Odd Fellows. He had to had been associated with the Odd Fellows in order to even know about us.”
Odd Fellows became the first national fraternity to include men and women and is known for their humanitarian endeavors, including supporting organizations such as Rebekah Children’s Services.
Villareal was convinced that he had personal relationships with the five organizations he decided to donate to. The organizations include the American Red Cross’ local chapter, the Ventura County Library and the county’s health agency, the Salvation Army and finally the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children’s Services.
Villareal was notified Monday that Rebekah Children’s Services will be receiving 10 percent of the $11 million fund and she will notify the board of the non-profit about the generous donation at their July 28 meeting. The board will decided what the proceeds shall be used for.
“Were hoping that we can have our legacy fund built up to the point where the proceeds and revenue will sustain our organization,” said Villareal. “We’d love to build it up to $10 million.”
The organization is waiting from official notification of the Fischer foundation and Villareal hopes to receive more info before the next meeting.
