Brookfield, Wis. – With appreciation, Funeral Service Foundation 2016 Chair Gerard “Jerry” Schoen III, announced last week that Live Oak Bank pledged a major gift of $100,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission to fund projects and programs that support all of funeral service in building meaningful relationships in the community.
A longtime Foundation supporter, Live Oak Bank’s contribution is the company’s first major gift pledge and secures its place as a “Community Pillar” on the Foundation’s Legacy Honor Roll, which is based on cumulative giving.
“Live Oak Bank understands the power of philanthropy and its critical importance in helping shape our profession,” said Schoen. “This gift is a true testament to the company’s commitment to both funeral service and the Foundation’s mission.”
Schoen made the announcement last week during the opening general session of the National Funeral Directors Association’s annual International Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attended by nearly 6,000 funeral directors, allied professions and leaders within the profession, the convention’s annual ceremony kicked off the world’s largest gathering of funeral service professionals.
Mark Milton, general manager of funeral service lending at Live Oak Bank and newly-elected Funeral Service Foundation trustee, presented Schoen and Foundation Executive Director Danelle O’Neill with a ceremonial check during the opening general session. “We have been honored to support the Funeral Service Foundation over the years and witness its positive impact on all of funeral service,” said Milton. “We are pleased to know that our gift will help provide the Foundation with the resources necessary to enrich, engage and inspire our profession.”
The contribution from Live Oak Bank directly supports the Foundation’s proactive efforts to seek relevant and innovative funding opportunities that enhance the funeral service profession, benefit funeral directors and allied professionals, thus making a timely impact on local communities.
About the Funeral Service Foundation – FuneralServiceFoundation.org
The Funeral Service Foundation is the leading public foundation dedicated in perpetuity to serve the funeral service profession. In alignment with its mission, the Foundation supports all of funeral service in building meaningful relationships in the community by commissioning innovative research, funding programs and professional development, administering and awarding scholarships and assisting communities in crisis.
About Live Oak Bank – LiveOakBank.com
Live Oak Bank was founded in 2008 to provide small business loans to professionals across the country looking to start or expand their business. Aside from acquisitions and refinancing, Live Oak’s lenders specialize in real estate loans and ground up construction projects.
Left to Right: Live Oak Bank General Manager of Funeral Service Lending and Foundation Trustee, Mark Milton; Foundation Executive Director, Danelle O’Neill; and Foundation 2016 Chair, Gerard “Jerry” Schoen III