Planting Seeds of Generosity

Garth and Martha Conley jumped with four feet into Westminster Place when they moved into the community in 2002.

Getting to know their neighbors was a priority for the couple. They fast became active and involved with neighborly social activities, committees, resident council positions and fundraisers.

As they experienced each new season at Westminster Place, the Conleys became very interested in the beauty of the campus. They also became concerned that older gardens on campus had, in time, lost their original contributing donors. As the campus is now over 115 years old, they were correct. After conversations with the Geneva Foundation and Westminster Place leadership, the Conleys decided to make a gift to perpetually support those gardens without donor support.

Two funds were created to provide an annual stream of support. The first is the “Garth and Martha Conley Endowment Fund” whereby the earnings are used for the perpetual care of the Buck Fountain, the Roy Garden, the Five Fountains Garden, Roscoe Nash Rose Garden and Martha’s Garden. The second fund, titled “The Conley Garden Fund” is to be used to support general beautification efforts when additional resources are needed to supplement the operating budget of Westminster Place.

Mr. and Mrs. Conley are no longer with us, God rest their souls, but before Mr. Conley’s passing the Geneva Foundation made him a promise. If ever a new building was constructed on the Westminster Place campus and garden space was included in that construction, that garden space would be dedicated in memory of him and his loving wife, Martha. Afterwards, the perpetual care of that garden would be added to the list supported by their endowment. The Geneva Foundation takes stewardship of donor generosity very seriously and that promise will be kept.

“The kiss of sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth—one is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”
—Dorothy Gurney

If you would like information on how you can ensure the continuation or growth of a particular campus, garden, building or program with a gift in your estate plan, contact Lisa M. Schiro, CFRE at (847) 979-3922 or lschiro@presbyterianhomes.org.