Growing up in Virginia, Dr. George Erickson says he “was always inspired by people who shared.” Together, he and wife of 65 years, Sally, themselves became people who shared, donating to local organizations and causes through the years, including spurring the creation of the indoor tennis courts in Virginia.
“They say behind every successful man is a surprised woman,” Erickson said Wednesday at a meeting at North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity (NSLCHFH). “But in my case it was a supportive woman.”
Sally passed away last month, and in her honor George Wednesday presented $200,000 in donations to local organizations - $100,000 to NSLCHFH, $50,000 to American Red Cross serving Northern Minnesota, and $50,000 to United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN). In addition, Erickson intends to donate $150,000 more to 12 local and regional charities in Sally’s name.
“Without (Sally’s) encouragement and support, none of these contributions would have been possible,” Erickson said.
NSLCHFH Executive Director Nathan Thompson, Red Cross Executive Director Dan Williams, and UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay thanked Erickson for his generosity, all three noting the challenging landscape of fundraising in times of crisis while needs increase.
“It’s inspiring, and it gives us hope,” Shay said.
Thompson called Erickson an “example of a life well lived.”
Erickson, a retired dentist, has traveled the world – everywhere from the Arctic to Australia, served on numerous community boards, and has written five books, including a best seller. He chalks up his successes to “growing up in good times, in a good country, with good parents” – and of course, to his late wife.
“Everything that’s worked so well for me couldn’t have happened without her,” he said.
The couple decided to make this donation prior to Sally’s passing.
“We decided a month before she knew she wasn’t going to last much longer and wanted to do this now,” he said.
Many donors include charitable giving in their wills, Thompson noted, “but George wanted to encourage people to think about giving before they’re gone.”
Many with intentions to give back to their communities “wait until it’s too late,” Williams added.
Erickson said it has given he and his wife “great pleasure” over the years to see their donations in action. He said they chose to donate $200,000 among the three organizations Wednesday because they have the largest reach in the area.
“When we want to help people, we look to places we trust,” he said.
The donations come at a fitting time for each organization. NSLCHFH is currently planning next year’s building season, and Erickson’s donation will allow the board to explore ways to increase Habitat’s capacity to serve more families with homeownership during a time Thompson said affordable housing is a critical issue in our community.
The Red Cross, facing dire blood shortages and increased costs for sheltering local fire victims, plans to create an opportunity for local donors to match Erickson’s funds.
“I hope this encourages people who have the ability to give to give,” Williams said.
UWNEMN, currently in the midst of its campaign season, is facing increased needs, increased costs, and increased challenges to fundraising to support local nonprofits and its own direct service programs like Buddy Backpacks.
“Seventy percent of our funding comes directly from individuals, and we are struggling to get in front of people to tell our story” Shay said. “(Erickson’s donation) is huge.”
Fundraising for nonprofits has suffered across the world in recent years.
“The nonprofit world works hard to help, and it also needs help in times of crisis,” Thompson said. “We (local organizations) all hung onto each other to survive the pandemic and help those who needed it.
…We can’t do it alone, but with our agencies, together, and our community – our volunteers and donors like George – that’s the only way we will accomplish (our goals).”
Erickson said he considers the donation “a privilege.”
“My wife is the one doing this,” he added. “I’m just an agent.”