The Wanamaker Society
Making A Difference Today — And Tomorrow!
By Michele Minicozzi
Managing Director of the Williamson Fund
Bill Bonenberger 7W9 embodies the
true characteristics of a Williamson
man — a leader in the construction industry who remains dedicated to giving
back to support the mission of the place
where it all began.
Over nearly four decades, Bill, his
wife Janet, and their three children,
have served the college in various ways,
from building a hospital in the Dominican Republic on Williamson’s mission
trips, to serving as board member and
vice chair over more than a decade — to
name just a few.
Of particular note is the Bonenbergers
most recent contribution to Williamson’s time-honored mission — together
they joined the Wanamaker Society!
Initially, one might assume this couple is far too young to be in the Wanamaker Society. It is, after all, a planned
giving club that most associate with an
aging population because it involves
wills and estates. On the contrary, with
their youngest child still in college, this
is the perfect time for the Bonenbergers to consider estate planning. You see,
after careful consideration they were
able to ensure their assets are distributed appropriately in their absence, as
well as make a significant pledge to Williamson. This ensures that everything
they’ve worked hard for their entire
lives is provided for in perpetuity.
Self-proclaimed planners by nature,
the Bonenbergers credit Williamson
with Bill’s foundation in the pursuit of
his life-long passion — being a home
builder and land developer. They agree
that his entrepreneurial spirit was cultivated during his time as a student.
Bill knows that the skills he acquired,
combined with the values instilled over
three years, are not typically achieved in
higher education.
Together, the Bonenbergers have
made it a priority to pay forward the advantages they’ve received by helping to
provide similar opportunities for others to be successful as well. Among the
causes they champion, which include
Mercy Vocational High School and
Marian Catholic High School, they hold
Williamson in the very highest regard.
As a trustee and member of Williamson’s Advancement Committee, Bill
has witnessed firsthand the impact of
planned gifts on the Williamson Fund
— the fund that closes the gap between
the operating budget and endowment
income each year. In short, he knows
that the planned giving “miracles” that
help bridge the gap each year are not
miracles at all, but well-thought-out decisions to make an impact, committed
years, sometimes decades, in advance.
Joining the Wanamaker Society has allowed the Bonenbergers to effectively
plan their estate, while meeting their
commitment to “give more than you
take from the world.”
With 30 years in a successful business,
Bill and Janet become more grateful for
what they have as time goes on. No matter how it is viewed, joining the Wanamaker Society has created a mutually
beneficial situation for the Bonenbergers and the college. According to Bill,
there is “no down side” as Wanamaker
commitments to Williamson can always be modified if ever circumstances
change.
Bill said, “From the time our children
were born we taught them that giving
back is really important to us, and it has
become important to them as well. A final gift to Williamson when we’re gone
will make them as happy as we are mak-
Ladies Auxiliary Donates $9,000
For Dorm Room Improvements
ing the pledge.”
Today, the Bonenbergers feel secure in their
decision to plan early
as it has given them a
sense of security in that
their deep-seated commitment to family and
others will continue in
perpetuity. Williamson
is truly fortunate for the
dedication of Bill and
Janet Bonenberger in so
many ways.
Membership in the
Wanamaker
Society
offers a number of options that can provide Janet and Bill Bonenberger 7W9, newly joined
substantial
financial members of Williamson’s Wanamaker Society.
benefits to the donor in
their lifetime and beyond. Naming Wil- a part of this tradition. Membership is
liamson as a beneficiary in a will or life voluntary and without obligation.
If you have already included Williaminsurance policy are just two examples
son in your will or estate plans or are
of the many ways to participate.
There are many, many other ways to interested in learning more about Waparticipate in planned giving and be- namaker Society membership, please
come a member of the Wanamaker So- contact Arlene Snyder, vice president
ciety. Our Advancement Office is well for institutional advancement, at 610versed in all the options available and 566-1776 or asnyder@