If you ask Marilyn Knutson, a Wesley Bradley Park resident and joyful giver, you will receive a resounding “taught” as her answer.
Marilyn grew up the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. While her family saved everything, they tithed a tenth of what was earned. She remembers being taught to give of herself as well as to give money to others in need. Food was always shared. Every week she and her sisters surveyed the cupboards and decided what would be kept or given away. She always wanted to keep the Spam and share the canned peas!
As an adult, Marilyn said she learned, “You don’t have to be rich or dead to make a difference for your favorite charities.” She has volunteered for many causes. She considers Wesley Bradley Park, Pacific Lutheran University, and MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital to be her three most significant legacy recipients.
“I’m not rich, but the more I give, the more joy I receive,” said Marilyn. One of the first residents to move to Wesley Bradley Park, she has spent a great deal of time helping to raise funds for the campus. She encourages friends and neighbors to move in, too.
When Marilyn says “Anything I believe in, I can sell,” she is not joking. She has sold calendars to raise money for the Bradley Park Chapel Fund, has made lovely greeting cards to sell, and has been a constant source of hospitality to all.
Her joy in giving is contagious. She recognizes the importance of asking people for gifts.
“Every time I’ve done something big, I’ve been asked to do it by someone,” said Marilyn. She personifies the phrase ask and you shall receive. And for that, we are truly grateful!
Wesley Community Foundation thanks Marilyn and the many other individuals who support Wesley with the desire to promote the well-being of others.