Will and Jeanne: Providing a path for children

Education is the pathway to success in life. That’s the message Liz Caldwell and her two sisters heard frequently while growing up. Their parents, Will and Jeanne Caldwell, read to their girls regularly and stressed the importance of education.

“My father believes it’s important to be prepared for life,” says Troy resident Liz Caldwell. “As a result, my sisters and I all went to college, and I have imparted the same values about education in my two children.”

As longtime contributors to United Way, Will —a former Ford Motor Company executive — and Jeanne became dedicated to helping the less fortunate in the community. So when Liz met with United Way for Southeastern Michigan to discuss an impending large financial gift from the Will and Jeanne Caldwell Foundation, it was immediately clear how the money could best be used.

“I asked Liz what was important to her parents, and she told me about their interest in all children getting a good start in school,” says Denise Fleckenstein, United Way’s director of gift planning. “Subsequently, the Will and Jeanne Caldwell Endowment was established to support United Way’s work in early childhood education. It is a fitting recognition of the couple’s philosophy and commitment.”

The $275,000 endowment to United Way will have an impact on many children for years to come and leave a lasing legacy in honor of the Caldwells. “I grew up in a home environment rich with literacy and learning,” Liz says, “and my family believes every child should have that opportunity — beginning at a very early age.”