Donor Stories

Educators with a Heart for Giving

Tom and Marilyn Hain’s faith and generosity have left a lasting mark on the communities and parishes they’ve called home. As lifelong educators and devoted Catholics, their journey exemplifies the true spirit of stewardship.

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At St. John’s in Lincoln, the Hains have made a significant impact, funding vital projects like roof repairs and HVAC upgrades, as well as contributing to a major capital campaign for a new parish hall. “St. John’s is a beautiful church, but like anything, there’s upkeep,” says Marilyn. “Addressing those needs is important to us because the church offers so much to the Lincoln community.”

Roots in Education and Faith

For Tom and Marilyn, it all began in Nebraska’s classrooms. Tom, an elementary school principal, and Marilyn, a special education teacher, dedicated their lives to nurturing young minds. They met and started their family in Columbus, later moving to Imperial, where they spent 19 years making a difference in students’ lives.

While Tom was raised Catholic, Marilyn’s journey into the faith was one of conversion, and this blend of lifelong and newfound faith has been central to their commitment to giving back. “Both Tom and I grew up with families who contributed in all kinds of ways to the community,” says Marilyn. “Giving back isn’t tied to growing up faithful, but we both learned at a young age that it’s good to support those who support you.” Tom adds, “When you can give to God, you can make more of a difference.”

A New Chapter in Lincoln

After nearly two decades in Imperial, the Hains decided it was time for a change and moved to Lincoln, where they could be closer to family. Lincoln offered them both family nearby and a welcoming Catholic community at St. John’s parish, where they have been active for nearly nine years. “God has given us so much, and St. John’s has some great leaders who provide the young and old with opportunities for religious growth,” says Marilyn.

Discovering a New Way to Give

Like many retirees, Tom and Marilyn have a traditional IRA, and they’re now required to take a required minimum distribution, which raises their taxable income. When St. John’s sponsored a seminar on charitable giving, they attended the event to watch a fellow parishioner talk about the impact of giving through the Catholic Foundation. What they learned at the presentation, given by Executive Director Chris Raun and Planned Giving Officer Scott Yates, changed everything.

This seminar introduced them to the idea of giving required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRA to their parish. “Marilyn and I both saw this as an opportunity to give more intentionally and make a greater impact,” says Tom.

Partnering with the Catholic Foundation

Scott Yates introduced the Hains to various options for directing their RMDs to benefit the church. With his guidance, they set up a Donor Designated Fund with the Foundation, which allowed them to give in an impactful, tax-efficient way. The benefits were clear:

Tax savings: Donating their RMDs to the fund reduced their taxable income.
Increased giving capacity: The money they would have paid in income tax instead went to their parish.
Flexibility: The fund gave them the freedom to support various parish needs as they arose.
Potential for growth: Their contributions could grow tax-free within the fund, which means larger gifts to their parish, further enhancing their impact.

Making a Tangible Difference

The Hains’ structured giving has allowed them to assist beyond their original pledge, contributing additional resources to address urgent parish needs as they come up. For Tom and Marilyn, nothing is more rewarding than seeing the results of their support come to life, and they feel a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing they helped make it all possible. Marilyn reflects, “Every church needs a roof and a place where the community can gather. Knowing we’ve helped create a welcoming space for worship and fellowship brings us immense joy.”

A Life of Faith and Generosity

Tom and Marilyn Hain’s journey isn’t just about giving financially—it’s about creating meaningful connections between faith, community, and thoughtful generosity. Their approach shows how retirees can make a difference in their communities and find purpose in intentional giving. With faith as their guide, the Hains continue to embrace the joy of giving back, building a vibrant parish community, and inspiring others through their generosity.

With thoughtful planning and a generous heart, the Catholic Foundation can help you make a difference that reaches far beyond the immediate. Contact us today to learn more about how to best direct your gifts.