A Way to Say Thank You

Philanthropy

A WAY TO SAY THANK YOU

The story behind Paula and Robert Davis’ gift to Sweet Adelines International

For almost 35 years, Paula Davis has been a very active Sweet

Adeline. Currently, she directs Song of Seattle Chorus, sings bass with Touchstone quartet and serves as a Certified Expression Judge and as Moderator on the Judge Specialist Committee. She has held many leadership roles at both regional and international levels, including serving on the board and being a past international president (2016-2018).

When asked why she and her husband, Robert, decided to make Sweet Adelines International part of their estate planning, Paula said, “It allows me to say thank you, even after I’m gone.”

Paula joined Rich-Tone Chorus in the 1980s and sang with them for ten years. Eventually, she sang with Houston Horizon Chorus and Velvet Hills Chorus and helped charter Spindletop Chorus and Song of Seattle Chorus. Wherever life took her, Sweet Adelines were there.

“I joined at a particularly difficult time in my life when I didn’t feel capable or valued,” she recalled. “Sweet Adelines members welcomed me, accepted me, and invited me to share my skills. It helped me see myself differently and positively. It is a gift I will never forget and one for which I will always be indebted.”

Paula said making an estate gift to SA was simple. She and Robert used an online program to update their will, and the program included the estate gift option. They had the document notarized, then Sweet Adelines International Director of Philanthropy Susan Smith provided them with documents to sign. The program the Davises used included a legal advisory team, and members are encouraged to obtain appropriate legal advice during estate planning.

Anyone making a donation to SA can choose to support a specific area of need (such as education, judging, etc.), but Paula and Robert made an “unrestricted” gift. That means the funds can be used anywhere they are needed.

“As a member of the International Board of Directors, I know there are many different ways that funds are needed, and they’re all important,” said Paula. “Besides, I have so many loves in this organization: teaching, judging, working with young women…I just want the organization to use the funds in the way that is most productive when they need it.”

Paula said she and Robert chose to give to Sweet Adelines International to help ensure its future.

“I have a granddaughter who is almost 3,” Paula said. “I want Sweet Adelines to be around if she wants to sing. I want her to know that her Nana was a Sweet Adeline, and maybe it will mean something to her. I don't know what she'll grow up to want to do or be, but it's important, I think, for it to still be here for her and for all women for generations to come. We need a place to sing and a place to be ourselves. We need a place that's safe and available to all of us. It's important that it's here.”

To find out how to make Sweet Adelines International part of your estate planning, consult with your financial planner and/or solicitor (lawyer) and contact Sweet Adelines International Director of Philanthropy Susan Smith at philanthropy@sweetadelines.com or 1.918.388.8040.