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 Old Hemlock Foundation is the culmination of
George Bird and Kay Evans’s life dream of preserving their home and land,
and giving back to charitable projects dear to them.
After they had developed
successful careers in the arts and literature, and restoring their 1782 log
home, they began exploring how to pass on their most treasured assets. They explored various conservation
organizations and institutional foundations to entrust their home, land and
wishes. After several false starts,
they retreated due to the uncertainty that the organizations might sell off
their home or land to better meet the organizational goals of their
group. After discussing their
concerns with neighbor, David Milne, they explored establishing their own
foundation. Dave told them of the
benefits of controlling their own foundation and creating a charitable
trust to match their vision. Dave
introduced them to a Morgantown
lawyer, Tom Vorbach, who had expertise in the practice of establishing
trusts and foundations. After many
discussions with Tom, George and Kay believed that they had found the
perfect solution passing on the Old Hemlock assets and way of life.
The next step in the
quest to establish the Old Hemlock Foundation was developing a team of
trusted individuals to be the Board of Trustees to manage the wishes of the
Evanses. The three individuals
accepted the positions. George and Kay also suggested alternative trustees
should the need arise.
At the death of Kay
Evans, the Old Hemlock Foundation was established. The trustees were appointed and are
working to meet the mission of the Evans’s wishes to preserve the house and
land, and provide funds for scholarships, local humane society and cultural
programs at the local school. The
Old Hemlock Foundation purposes include charitable, scientific and
educational activities.
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