Helping pet owners was important to late Burlington resident Jean Ellen Griffin.
She loved cats and shared her life with two special feline friends, Muffin and Tina.
“Jean was independent and feisty,” says veterinarian Dr. Marilyn Loh, who was also a friend of Jean. “She always had an opinion about something, telling jokes and sharing her day. Jean lived life to the fullest until her health started to affect her.”
When she wrote her will, Jean wanted to ensure that her estate helped people who couldn’t afford to look after their pets. To do this, she provided a legacy gift to the Burlington Community Foundation, establishing a donor advised fund that will carry out her wishes in perpetuity by providing grants to animal welfare charities like the Farley Foundation.
Jean entrusted the stewardship of the Jean Ellen Griffin Fund to Dr. Loh, who now makes annual grant decisions. In 2023, the Farley Foundation received a grant of more than $23,000. These funds helped carry out Jean’s wishes and directly supported pet owners facing financial hardship, helping them access vital veterinary care for their beloved animals.
“Through the Farley Foundation, we have seen the results of being able to help people care for their animals who wouldn’t be able to do so financially,” says Dr. Loh, who practices in Burlington. “Having happy outcomes in most cases would be the reward and joy that Jean would have gained if she could see how her fund is able to help others.”
Since its founding in 2002, the Farley Foundation has helped upwards of 18,000 pets receive necessary veterinary care, including over 10,000 dogs and 7,000 cats, ensuring they could stay with the people who love them.
“We’re deeply grateful for this generous support. It will help more pets get the care they need and will help bring us closer to our goal of doubling our impact by 2027,” says John Stevens, Executive Director of the Farley Foundation.
Donor advised funds, like Jean’s, generate annual income from investments. The fund can then provide grants to charitable organizations year after year. The Burlington Community Foundation manages the fund and all administrative responsibilities, offering a simple and meaningful option for estate planning.
Those who establish funds can direct where they would like the grants to go, whether that be to specific organizations or areas of interest that matter most to them.
“Moving forward, I hope to distribute funds to other animal rescues and [to the] Farley Foundation again to help animals in need,” says Dr. Loh.
To donate to the Jean Ellen Griffin Fund, visit our Giving Hub.