THE LEXINGTON FOUNDATION LAUNCHES THE CORA BETT THOMAS LEGACY SOCIETY

The new Legacy Society offers planned giving opportunities for donors to remember The Arc Lexington and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Fulton, Albany and Schoharie Counties of New York State

Gloversville, NY -- The Lexington Foundation Board of Directors at its March 2023 meeting unanimously voted to approve the creation of The Cora Bett Thomas Legacy Society. The Cora Bett Thomas Legacy Society offers opportunities for donors to The Lexington Foundation to remember The Arc Lexington and people supported by the agency in their wills, estates, trusts, life insurance, and other planned giving vehicles. The Arc Lexington provides award-winning programs and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Fulton, Albany and Schoharie Counties of New York State. The Lexington Foundation was created in 1984 with a mission to raise and manage funds to enhance the quality of life for people supported by The Arc Lexington.

“Cora Bett Thomas doesn’t have a family member with developmental disabilities, but that hasn’t stopped her from remembering The Lexington Foundation in her estate plans,” said Wally Hart, Executive Director of the Lexington Foundation. “Cora Bett’s generous estate gift, and the passion behind it, have prompted us to name our new Legacy Society after her. We are honored and thankful to her not only for her gift, but also for lending her name to the Legacy Society and future gifts that will support Nurturing The Arc Lexington’s Future.”

Cora Bett Thomas’ connection to The Arc Lexington is through a cherished friendship she has with someone whose life has been impacted by the amazing services that The Arc Lexington provides. Barbara Treadwell and Cora Bett have enjoyed a deep, loving friendship for many years. Barbara’s son, Terry, was supported by The Arc Lexington for over 20 years and in that time Barbara shared with Cora Bett the peace of mind it gave to her to know Terry was safe, happy, and well cared for at Lexington. The support Lexington provided to Terry not only gave comfort to Barbara but also allowed her to be a better friend, community member, business partner, and mother to her two other children, as well as to Terry. As Cora Bett began to think about her estate plans, she wanted to do something to recognize this cherished friendship and the gifts that Lexington had provided to Terry, Barbara and so many others. That is why she decided to include a planned gift to the Lexington Foundation.

All members of the Cora Bett Thomas Legacy Society will be honored with a special place on a Giving Tree that will be housed at The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, a program owned and operated by The Lexington Foundation. In addition to Cora Bett Thomas, there are a number of other donors who will join the Legacy Society as they have included The Arc Lexington Foundation in their estate planning. The Arc Lexington Foundation staff is available to assist any donors in planning gifts that best meet a gift giver’s that best meets their personal and philanthropic goals. For more information on the Lexington Foundation and The Cora Bett Thomas Legacy Society, please visit thearclexingtonfoundation.org/donate or contact Foundation Executive Director Wally Hart at HartW@thearclexington.org.

About The Lexington Foundation:
The Lexington Foundation was created in 1984 with a mission to raise and manage funds to enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by The Arc Lexington. Funds raised by the Foundation are used to support Lexington’s programs and services, purchase specialized equipment and sponsor educational and recreational programs. For more information, visit thearclexingtonfoundation.org.

About The Arc Lexington:
The Arc Lexington, a Chapter of The Arc New York, is a private, not-for-profit agency providing a wide range of services to adults and children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities in Fulton, Schoharie and Albany Counties. Created in 1953 by a group of concerned parents, Lexington is recognized as one of the leading agencies of its kind in New York State. For more information about Lexington and its programs and services, visit www.thearclexington.org.