Walter and Phyllis Anderson greatly enjoyed their time spent on the North Shore. A trust in their names has been established to benefit the community. Phyllis Anderson is pictured here with her brother-in-law Paul Anderson at the 2008 ground breaking for the new milling shop classroom at North House Folk School.
The power of planning for the future often speaks for itself. Earlier this fall, this fact rang true for two Grand Marais nonprofits. The North Shore Health Care Foundation and North House Folk School were named as the beneficiaries of a generously sized charitable trust created by the late Phyllis and Walter Anderson who passed away in October 2014 and May 2004 respectively. The trust designates the local organizations that are beneficiaries, and will be managed by Security Bank and Trust located in Glencoe, Minnesota.
“This is a tremendous honor and inspiring opportunity for all of us,” said North House Executive Director Greg Wright. “Phyllis and Walter were truly visionary leaders, and their legacy will have a significant impact on North House, the Health Care Foundation and the greater Cook County community.”
Originally from Alexandria, Minnesota, the Andersons frequented the North Shore and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a favorite getaway. Driving through Grand Marais one night in 1997, they noticed the lights on at the old Forest Service garages on the harbor, which had recently been rented by the fledgling North House Folk School. Upon pulling in for a closer look, they were welcomed by a group of enthusiastic wooden boat builders. An avid fan of all wooden watercraft and the rich stories of the North, Walt Anderson took an instant interest in the advancement of the school.
For Phyllis, her career as a nurse anesthetist in rural communities created a strong bond to the region. Her love of the North and her appreciation for the many challenges faced by rural communities gave her many insights. By designating the North Shore Health Care Foundation as a recipient of this generous planned gift, it was her hope that the Cook County community would benefit from improved resources such as enhanced first responder and ambulance services as well as health education.
“There are many ways to support organizations you care about,” noted John Bottger, North Shore Health Care Foundation’s board president. “Thoughtfully planning ahead for a legacy gift can both have a huge impact and yield significant tax benefits. The new Anderson Charitable Trust makes this clear. Its assets are invested into the future and will support our work for decades to come.”
The couple generously supported North House throughout their final years, including investing at a lead level during the school’s “Raise the Roof ” capital campaign, which transformed classrooms and the commons area.
Both Walt and Phyllis hoped their legacy would drive the school to expand its reach while deepening its local impact as well.
“Phyllis and Walt loved Cook County and the North, and they were determined to find a way to support things they cared about,” said Paul Anderson, Walter’s brother and past North House board president. “Strong organizations are central to any strong community. I know they would be proud of what the Health Care Foundation and North House are accomplishing.”
“This is certainly an affirming moment for both organizations, and underscores the impact forward thinkers like Phyllis and Walter have on our community,” said Karl Hansen, the Health Care Foundation’s executive director. “Planned gifts are vital to the longterm success of any organization. A generous gift like this–to any cause– is a resource that will have a positive impact on the entire community.”
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