Lepleys ‘Pay It Forward’ by Becoming ChildServe Advocates

ChildServe played a central role in the lives of Bill and Ginny Lepley. Now, the Clive, Iowa couple is giving back to the organization that made such a positive impact on them and their late son Daniel.

A retired educator and administrator, Bill's 36-year career took him to all levels of education—a social studies teacher, principal, superintendent at three Iowa school districts, the state's director of education and eventually president of the prestigious Milton Hersey School in Pennsylvania.

But the depth of devotion at ChildServe was something that registered with the family.

"I've been associated with many organizations over my career, but never experienced one that so consistently displayed the passion and professionalism at all levels like ChildServe," Bill says. "That ChildServe trademark translates into high quality service to children and families."

ChildServe provided adult transitional services to the Lepley's son, Daniel, who was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when vertebrae around the baby's spine do not form properly. Daniel was also a resident of ChildServe’s Beaverdale Home.

It was during this time, Ginny says, that Daniel blossomed from a high school student into a young adult, gaining enough independence to live on his own with minimal assistance. He moved into an apartment at the Elsie Mason Manor in Des Moines, had a part-time job at Principal Financial Group and became a fixture in the downtown scene.

"He'd pester the pretty girls at the bank and was a friend to the homeless, the shoeshine boys, the politicians and everyone else using the skywalk," Bill says.

Daniel's condition advanced, and he passed away in 2005 at the age of 35, but his spirit lives on in the many lives he touched.

"If you want to learn about the best of the human spirit, spend time with kids who have disabilities," Bill remarks. "They have it figured out."

In 2008, Bill answered a call from ChildServe CEO Lloyd VanderKwaak about becoming involved as a volunteer. He began a six-year stint on ChildServe's Board of Directors, including a year as board chair. He became the first board chair to visit all ChildServe facilities, including all group homes, and was active in a governance role.

Bill and Ginny support ChildServe with financial gifts through the IRA charitable rollover, where IRA account holders can direct distributions to qualified charities. Under the law, donors age 70½ or older may make charitable distributions directly from their IRA to charities without including the distribution as income, subject to taxation. These gifts are allowed in any amount up to $100,000 each year from the donor's IRA or IRAs.

The Lepleys also make their annual gifts in memory of Daniel.

"We had a wonderful experience with ChildServe," Ginny says. "This is one way we can give back for everything they did for our family."

Honor Someone Special to You

Like the Lepleys, you can include a gift to ChildServe in your estate plan to honor someone special to you. Contact Colleen Rogers Messenger CAP® at colleen@childserve.org or 515-251-5572 to learn about your giving options.