One of the primary factors dividing people around the world, is perception - the idea that because people look, speak, act and live differently, they are different. What is often overlooked is that most humans are concerned with the same basic things: the safety and stability of their families; hope for their future; and the deep human connection with loved ones in the present and past - especially our mothers. Mothers bring us into this world and we feel a supernatural connection to them, regardless of cultural or geographical differences. They feed us, teach us and nurture us into adulthood. What is more basic to our common existence than this?

At Heifer Foundation, we often have the pleasure of hearing from our supporters about their mothers. We have established gifts for some who have been memorialized in death by their children, and some who have been memorialized for their contribution while they are still very much alive. In either case, the consistent message we hear is the same: "I want others less fortunate than me to have a better life because of the values that my mother instilled in me and because of the legacy she will leave." I can scarcely imagine higher honor than that.

One such gift is the Marcia L. Hinz Endowment established by her daughter Marcia Hinz-Hill after her mother's passing. Ms. Hill wanted to "pass on the gift" of the great life lessons she had gained from her mother to those who benefit from Heifer's Women in Livestock Development (WiLD) programs. Ms. Hill wrote, "In my mind's eye, I see a village somewhere where women are treated better because of Heifer's gender equity work, and I can think of no greater honor to my mother than to have helped to make that happen. I think of some woman I will never meet who gains economic independence. This is a tribute to my mother's life. I imagine that long after I and the memories of mother are gone, the granddaughter of that woman will perhaps have an education, a real chance at life, because of my mother's life. It is unbelievably comforting. I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to support the work of Heifer and to memorialize my mother in this way. Thank you so much."

Recently, Sylvia Casberg created the Olivia Casberg India Endowment in honor of her mother's rich lifetime of work as a missionary and author of five books. In her letter, Sylvia wrote, "Mother has had a fascinating life. She was raised in Alaska, met my dad, married him and returned with him to India as missionaries. My brother and I were with them, as were my grandparents. Three generations sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge headed for India in 1939." The mission work she shared with her husband Mel spanned 50 years, three continents and led them to places from tiny remote villages to her husbands work under President Eisenhower in a post at the Pentagon.

A great deal of their work and her heart was in India, where she first realized the significance of her role in service to those in need. In her book titled, Mission Through a Woman's Eyes, Olivia says this about her commitment to serving others in a foreign land: "I can't talk a lot. It will be my actions that will count. The words of Albert Schweitzer flashed through my mind, 'let your life be your argument.'"

It was important that Sylvia establish the endowment while her mother was still living. She wanted her mother to know that her life in service of others was not finished. Through her endowment, it would continue forever.

Sadly, soon after the endowment was created and she sent me copies of her five books, Olivia passed away at age 93. When first reading through her books, I came upon this passage questioning what work there left for her to do at this stage in life: "By just being here, perhaps I'll have an opportunity to dream dreams with others while finding new places to be of service." Olivia's motto throughout life was, "a happy life is possible through serving." She still found another way to serve.

Make this Mother's Day special, and one that will last for generations by honoring your mother with a gift to an existing endowment, or by creating one in her honor. There are many children around the world that can benefit from the love and legacy our mothers offer.

Need more information?
Download a pdf on Country Endowments from our download center.