An Inspired Gift That Inspires Giving

"It’s not what you leave your kids in dollars—it’s what you leave them on the inside,” said Clark Donnell. For the Donnells, that legacy includes a stronger, more connected community.

Moved by a $2 million matching fund, Clark and Joan Donnell turned inspiration into action—with hopes that their generosity will inspire others to do the same.

Clark and Joan Donnell have been part of the Lake Chelan story for decades—summer people since the early 1980s, full-time since 2020. They’ve raised kids and grandkids here, poured sweat equity into their church and community projects, and—like so many locals—watched the new Community Center weather a pandemic, rising construction costs, and long stretches of waiting.

“Let’s get it done,” Joan said when asked what she’d tell others about supporting The Center. Clark nodded: “Good project, good timing. We were inspired to give.”

Their $100,000 gift couldn’t have come at a better moment. Prior to the extremely successful October 4th “Golden Hour Gala,” Tim and Kristy Turner established a $2 million, 2-for-1matching fund for fourth-quarter giving. That means every dollar given through year-end will be doubled—turning the Donnells’ $100,000 into $200,000 of impact aimed at completing portions of the project that have been on hold, and relieving pressure on other financial needs.

What moved them from “watching” to “giving”? Two things, they say. First, momentum. They seethe building humming on ordinary weekdays: kids laughing and enjoying the play room, theBoys & Girls Club upstairs, Celebrate Recovery meetings taking place, and neighbors gathering over coffee. “We always bring people here,” Joan said. “It’s life-changing.” Second, the match.“We looked at each other and said, this is the time,” Clark said. “If we can double it, let’s do it.

”Their story is also a practical roadmap for others who want to give smart. The Donnells use a donor-advised fund with the Barnabas Foundation to plan charitable gifts, invest them for impact, and then direct grants to causes they care about. “It’s easy, we trust them, and the money keeps growing and working,” Joan said. “We try to give away about ten percent each year.” When Clark retired and received a lump-sum payout, they placed a portion into the fund—turning a one-time event into ongoing generosity.

Faith shapes their why. “It’s all God’s anyway,” Joan said. “We’re just stewards.”But legacy matters too. With a son who advises families on generational wealth and purpose, they think hard about what they’re leaving—not just dollars, but heritage. “What do you leave your kids on the inside?” Clark asked. “That’s what’s important.” For the Donnells, the answer includes investing in a place where all ages can learn, play, recover, perform, thrive, pray, and belong.

If you’ve been “on the fence,” the Donnells hope their gift nudges you forward. Not because the Center needs one more headline, but because momentum multiplies when neighbors act. It’s been said that inspired gifts inspire giving, and in this season, the math truly adds up: every dollar given is doubled through the end of the year.

“Let’s push it over the line,” Clark said. “Now’s the time.”