Couples’ Bequest Gift Will Ensure Their Continued Support of CNEWA’s Mission

Madonna and Roger

Longtime CNEWA supporter Madonna and her husband of 46 years, Roger, have spent more than 40 years working together with their four children running their general contracting business on Camano Island, Washington. “My mom supported CNEWA,” Madonna says. “When I married in 1975, I continued to donate. Probably because it was something I saw my mom do, sitting at her table and writing a check.”

It started with a program where Madonna would send a monthly check to “support a needy child adopted in my heart,” she says. “I was amazed that CNEWA could care for our ‘adopted daughter’ for $15 a month. We had children, and I knew that $15 a month would not take care of their needs.” Now, as part of their smart estate planning, the couple has made a bequest in their will to continue their support of CNEWA’s mission beyond their lifetimes.

“When we say our daily prayers, we include ‘give us work to do so we can take care of our needs and help those who depend on us,’ ” Madonna says. “Once we came to the Lord with this prayer, we always had work and jobs on our calendar—enough to care for our needs and more. We see our bequest as a concrete way to continue to help those who depend on our generosity.”

Roger and Madonna been members of St. Cecilia’s parish for more than 40 years. “At least once a year, the homily is about giving time, talent, and treasure,” Madonna says. “At the beginning of our business and family, I would think ‘I may have talent but little or nothing in terms of treasure in dollars.’ So we volunteered for various programs: teaching religion, youth group activities, Eucharistic ministries, taking communion with the sick, ushering, and so on. We always supported financially as we were able with the intention to increase as we could, and God has blessed our efforts.”

Madonna says she reads the CNEWA magazine cover to cover and has “come to understand more about my Catholic faith and to appreciate and be amazed by how faithfully so many are truly living the gospel. This gives me an example and is inspiring and humbling at the same time.” She encourages others to start their days with prayer and see that God will provide for their needs and the needs of those who depend on them.

“Once they start donating, it becomes easy and necessary,” Madonna says. “As I would read CNEWA magazine, I began to reflect on need. The people you serve need food, water, education, health assistance—so much. How could I say I NEED to get my nails done or have my hair colored? Perspective and clarity are treasures to gain. When you give with faith that God will provide, he will multiply your gift so that it serves many.”

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