DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Whitefield is grateful for all supporters. Meet the Reichart family - parents Jessica and Chris, with their children Matteson (‘30), Caleb (‘33), and Jacob (‘35).

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO GIVE BACK?

Everything we have is a stewardship: our home, our children, our time, our energy, and our resources. We love because He first loved us, so I have the wonderful responsibility to look for ways to use these for the benefit of those around me. I can shepherd my children well and point them to Jesus. I can use my time and energy to check in with friends and serve others. I can give where the Lord directs. Whitefield has been such a gift to our family, a place full of love and faith that protects and leads our children well. It feels like dropping Matteson, Caleb, and Jacob off with family every morning! We are grateful for the opportunity to take part in how our school is growing.

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR GIVING?

For me, it’s a lens to view what we have, and what my goal is in life. Jesus set the best example of this: He gave up nothing short of His life for those He loved. How much less is it for me to give up resources? Through nonprofit work and mission trips, I have seen firsthand, over and over, where donations meet needs. There’s nothing like watching the body of Christ love one another. Whitefield is a place where children are loved, nurtured, and strengthened in their faith. What a gift to the world! If I can play any role in the education and faith of the next generation, it is a gift to me.

HOW DO YOU TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK?

I’m still learning how best to do this. We definitely let our children see some of what we do, and the joy we get from it! We also like to give donations to each other as gifts. For example, we will give chickens or sheep to families in developing nations through Compassion International as Christmas gifts to our children. We talk about how kindness to each other is a tangible gift for Jesus, and we read His words about “the least of these.” We pack bags with snacks and socks, and keep them in the car to give to the homeless (a practice I learned from my mother). I try to make giving as natural a part of our days as I can, so that it feels like a part of our family culture. And, we chose a school where Christ is first and foremost!

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SHARE ABOUT HAVING A PHILANTHROPIC MINDSET?

It begins with Jesus. His love flows from our faith into our family, and then out into the world. As a mom I try to lead our family culture to include giving, compassion, and empathy, not as a sacrifice, but as something we truly enjoy! What a gift to have a Redeemer who gave up His life for us! With joy, I can do my best to lead my family to follow His example.