Investing in NatureBridge’s Future: Why Walter and Cheryl Joined The 1971 Society
When Walter Sive and Cheryl Ellsworth decided to include NatureBridge in their estate plans, they knew their choice represented much more than a charitable gift. It was a declaration of support for and an investment in an organization they believe will continue changing lives for generations to come. They opted to join The 1971 Society, NatureBridge’s legacy giving program, demonstrating their confidence in an organization whose mission—and people—have earned their trust.
Walter first came to the Olympic Peninsula in 1978 to work at Lake Crescent Lodge. Like so many who visit the Pacific Northwest, he quickly fell in love with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant environment. During his years managing concessions at Lake Crescent Lodge and Hurricane Ridge Lodge, he witnessed the early vision that transformed the historic Rosemary Inn into what is now NatureBridge’s Olympic campus.
Years later, after transitioning into a career in business finance and analytics, Walter was invited to join the Olympic Park Institute (now NatureBridge Olympic) board in 2009. He later served as Olympic board chair before joining NatureBridge’s National Board of Directors in 2017.
Walter describes NatureBridge as “a very high-performing organization”—one that consistently delivers meaningful experiences for students while carefully stewarding the resources entrusted to it. “Cheryl and I know our contributions will be well-utilized and thoughtfully leveraged,” he says.
Because it’s a high-performing organization, Cheryl and I know our contributions [to NatureBridge] will be well-utilized and thoughtfully leveraged.Walter Sive, NatureBridge Board Member and 1971 Society Member
Walter believes NatureBridge’s work is especially important at a time when there are a myriad of diversions constantly competing for people’s attention. “There’s so much these days that can distract us,” he notes. “Not just kids, but adults as well.” Organizations that inspire our young people and help them reconnect to nature and to each other are sorely needed, Walter asserts. NatureBridge fosters these connections and prompts participants to “recognize what’s special about being alive.”
For Walter and Cheryl, joining The 1971 Society was a natural extension of their championship of NatureBridge’s mission and their commitment to philanthropy. “We’re very focused on charitable giving,” Walter says. When it comes to planned giving, he emphasizes, donors want to know an organization is set for lasting impact. “With NatureBridge,” Walter affirms, “I believe it has a mission and culture that are going to last.”
For a lot of us, our greatest charitable impact will come when our estate is distributed. One should be thinking hard about which organizations are set up for long-term success.Walter Sive, NatureBridge Board Member and 1971 Society Member
When Walter tells others about The 1971 Society, he encourages them to think beyond today’s annual gifts and consider how they can invest in a legacy that ensures future generations of students will experience wonder, connection, and belonging in the outdoors. For Walter and Cheryl, NatureBridge’s planned giving program offers one of the most meaningful ways to invest in an organization they believe will thrive—and continue transforming lives—for decades to come.
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Investing in NatureBridge’s Future: Why Walter and Cheryl Joined The 1971 Society
When Walter Sive and Cheryl Ellsworth decided to include NatureBridge in their estate plans, they knew their choice represented much more than a charitable gift. It was a declaration of support for and an investment in an organization they believe will continue changing lives for generations to come. They opted to join The 1971 Society, NatureBridge’s legacy giving program, demonstrating their confidence in an organization whose mission—and people—have earned their trust.