The Future is Now: Don & Louis Johnston's Transformational Gift Planning

It was 20 years in the making. In 1999, a relationship began between Sonoma State University and art lovers Louise and Don Johnston. Longtime supporters of the Santa Rosa Symphony, they were inspired by the partnership with the University that established the Green Music Center, a home for classical music in Sonoma County. They gave as much as they could during the capital campaign to build the facility because philanthropy was always part of their lives, bringing them great joy to watch the impact of their investments on the issues that they cared most about, which included the arts and the environment. But they always wanted to be able to give more.

So in 2001, they established a trust in their deceased son, Charles', name and made a capital gift to the construction of the Green Music Center. Over the years they added a charitable gift annuity to their portfolio that provided them with income throughout their lifetime, ensuring that the remaining funds in the account would benefit both Sonoma State University and the Santa Rosa Symphony after they both passed away. A few years later, they decided to bequeath Louise's family home in Sebastopol to the University. Upon sale, the proceeds were to benefit the Green Music Center's operations in an endowment.

This generosity was met with gratitude and a lifelong relationship with the University. They attended many performances and got to know SSU's leadership well. They were a part of the Nichols Legacy Society and met many faculty and staff who along the way enriched their lives. Fourteen years after their first gift to the University, Louise lost Don at the age of 93 after 68 years of marriage, and six years later, Louise passed away when she was 96. Don was a naval officer, insurance agent, and banker. Louise was in the WAVES in World War II and had a full career as a schoolteacher. They were avid tennis players, birders, and world travelers; Don was a photographer, and Louise played classical piano.

All told, this humble duo's lifetime giving to the Green Music Center exceeded $2,000,000. The endowment fund they established will provide reliable resources, ensuring the Green Music Center is able to present the most compelling artists of our time, which includes their beloved Santa Rosa Symphony. Their commitment and generosity will ring in Weill and Schroeder Halls for generations to come.