Generous Hearts by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois
Michael Morgan
Retirement Brings Clarity MILLENNIALS GET A BAD RAP for the ways they think and live differently from the generations before them, but maybe the rest of us are figuring out that they just might be on to something. Generally, they have determined that they want their lives to be full of human experiences, driven by purpose and meaningful in some bigger-than-a-paycheck ways. Ironically, many recent retirees are coming around to the exact same way of thinking. Retirement looks different than it did just a generation before, and now it is filled with new and exciting options of experiences and opportunities that provide a richness to life well beyond dollars and cents. These three Northshore retirees have created lives that are focused on giving back, making an impact and contributing to something bigger than themselves.
Michael Morgan Mike Morgan spent his career as a lawyer and investment banker, boldly putting together deals and managing capital. In this new phase of his life, he is using that same energy to impact the lives of children in dramatic ways. He has a special place in his heart for children who are economically disadvantaged or 52
Inside Northside
Elaine Wirth
who have physical or mental challenges, because, as he puts it, “I am lucky to have two healthy children and the financial wherewithal to provide them the tools they need to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential. Many families are not so lucky.” That passion led Mike to the Grant’s Gift Foundation, and he has been a leader in their work ever since, helping families of special needs children with equipment and enrichment opportunities that they could otherwise not afford. Specialized wheelchairs, service dogs and inclusive summer camps are only some of the ways the Grant’s Gift Foundation changes lives. Their lofty goals now include the construction of an inclusive playground adjacent to the Miracle League Baseball field at Coquille. Mike is investing all of his energy in making that playground a reality, because he is grateful that retirement has allowed him more time to focus on the causes that matter to him.
Elaine Wirth Elaine starts every day in a conversation with God where she asks, “How can I be of service today?” After running a software consulting and training company in New York for 20 years, she has a lot more time to carry out “the direction He points her in.” She always wanted to be involved in traditional philanthropy, but working a 60-80 hour week and cross country travel 10 days every month made it that much harder, so she engaged where she could, but remained focused on her career. She never lost sight, however, of what
