Over the past week, many of us paused to celebrate the women who have shaped our lives: mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, friends, and all the mother figures whose love continues to guide us.
For some, Mother’s Day is joyful. For others, it is tender. Sometimes it is both.
At Cobb Community Foundation, we have the privilege of working with families who are finding meaningful ways to honor someone they love. Often, those stories begin with a simple question:
How do we carry forward what she cared about most?
That question is at the heart of Allison Gruehn’s story.
When Allison speaks of her mother, Linda Allen Milligan, she remembers her generosity.
“She was a giver,” Allison shared. “She gave her encouragement, her time and her financial support as easily as she loved.”
Linda lived that generosity every day. She was involved in her children’s schools and sports activities, gave back through her work as a Harry Norman realtor, and served faithfully through Marietta Community Church and Bible Study Fellowship.
After Linda’s passing, Allison and her family needed time to grieve. Creating the Linda Allen Milligan Memorial Fund at Cobb Community Foundation gave them a way to honor Linda’s legacy without feeling rushed to make immediate decisions.
“I feel that using some of the inheritance in a philanthropic way would make her happy,” Allison shared. “This is what she did in her lifetime, and we are continuing that work for her.”
Continuing the work of someone whose life was marked by generosity is a powerful expression of love.
Even after Mother’s Day has passed, many of us continue reflecting on the women who lifted us up, believed in us, encouraged us, or gave generously of themselves — mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, neighbors, teachers, and friends.
A gift in someone’s honor or memory can be a meaningful way to say: Your love made a difference, and it still does.
There are many ways to honor a mother figure through philanthropy:
- Support a charitable fund that reflects her passions and values
- Help meet urgent local needs through the Cobb Community Grantmaking Fund
- Support children and families through Investing in Childcare, Empowering Families
- Create a charitable fund that carries values forward for generations to come
If you would like help exploring meaningful ways to honor someone you love, Cobb Community Foundation would be honored to help.
