Tom Kahle’s introduction to Freestore Foodbank came when Bob Edwards invited him to join the inaugural Rubber Duck Regatta planning committee in 1994. Soon, Kahle joined the Board of Trustees where he served for many years in a number of roles, including as Board Chair and as part of a committee that established the Freestore Foodbank Foundation, an endowment to secure the organization’s future. In 2009, Tom transitioned from the governing board to the Foundation board, where he continues to serve. Kathy supported Tom’s work with Freestore Foodbank and shared his interest in the mission and vision of the organization.
“I believe very strongly that no one deserves to be hungry; no matter what their circumstances in life or how they came to them,” Tom said. “If you’re hungry you can’t do anything else. Kids can’t learn. People can’t work. Social relationships are strained. Hunger is unacceptable.”
Once Tom and Kathy’s three daughters left home and started their own lives, the couple began drawing up their estate plans. Freestore Foodbank is one of four charities that will receive a bequest from their estate. “All our planned giving donations are going to purposes and institutions where we think our contribution will make a difference in people’s lives.” Although most of the Kahle bequest to Freestore Foodbank will be an unrestricted donation to the Foundation, they are also including a specific allocation to the Bob Edwards Feed a Child Fund to support efforts to solve childhood hunger.
“Freestore Foodbank has always been at the top of our list,” said Kathy. “Cincinnati COOKS! is a brilliant idea: giving people job training while feeding kids. It seems like it should be obvious, but it wasn’t until COOKS! started. I think it’s a great use of resources.”
Tom’s efforts to support Freestore Foodbank extend beyond donations and board service. His colleagues at BakerHostetler volunteer assembling Power Packs at the distribution center and support the Rubber Duck Regatta through the corporate sales program.
Tom and Kathy’s philanthropy is essential to ensuring Freestore Foodbank has the resources to fulfill its mission. Their gift will provide critical emergency food resources and reduce the number of people needing assistance by offering stability-building programs, including workforce development, benefits enrollment and wrap-around services.
“I appreciate that Freestore Foodbank is not trying to solve world hunger. You are making a meaningful difference in the life of one family at a time and having an effect on the future of the entire family.”
The Kahle’s legacy gift will allow Freestore Foodbank to continue to help those in need build self-sufficiency while ensuring they do not face hunger. To learn more about how you can include Freestore Foodbank in your estate planning, please visit us at freestorefoodbank.org/legacygiving or contact Mindy Hammer, mhammer@freestorefoodbank.org or 513 482-7099.
