THE HEATON FAMILY TRUST TEACHES LIFE'S LESSONS

Greg Heaton and his family became interested in family philanthropy after Greg attended a Family Wealth Counselors' seminar for planned giving professionals.

The seminar had a charitable theme and one of Heaton's favorite speakers talked about a fund he had established through his local community foundation.

The speaker said he would gather all of his family together on Thanksgiving - children, grandchildren, spouses - to decide where to grant the money each year.

"Through this fund their family instilled values of giving to the next generation, teaching them about passing on wealth to those in need," Heaton says.

It's the same in the Heaton family. With wife Kim, daughter Kelsey and sons Justin and Kyle, the family discusses where to grant the money. Whether the money goes to a new local gym in Geneseo or their church, or whether they think globally or locally, the decision is made as a family according to Heaton.

"Showing the children the importance of giving at a young age is so important. Not only do we make giving a family event, it is equally important to see the results of the gift. We hope to deliver our gifts in person to see first hand the organizations we are supporting and the needs that they are meeting in our community."

Through "family retreats" he assists families in finding a purpose and shows them how easy it is to help those causes they care about.

"By having a fund with a community foundation I can explain to my clients our personal giving experiences and especially how easy and fun giving is for the entire family," says Heaton.

Greg and Kim Heaton with their children, Kelsey, Justin and Kyle

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