The Charles and Marjorie Dobrovolny Fund

March 3, 2015
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The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta was named as a partial beneficiary of two trusts upon the death of John Charles Dobrovolny, who passed away on August 22, 2009. The trusts were established by each of John’s parents, Marjorie and Charles Dobrovolny, and were both structured to be terminated upon the death of the third of these three family members. As referenced in the wills of Marjorie and Charles, The Community Foundation would receive 10% of trust assets to be used “in support of Churches which have established programs promoting the participation of the mentally retarded in church activities.”

The Community Foundation’s staff researched such programs at churches in the Metro Atlanta region, and identified one specific church, the Church of the Holy Comforter, which is part of the Episcopal Archdiocese of Atlanta, whose ministry and programs fit well with the Dobrovolny’s intent. Specifically, 60% of the church’s congregants are developmentally challenged. The church picks up residents of personal care homes three days a week – Sunday morning for services, Tuesday and Thursday for breakfast, programming and regular health screenings. Programs include the arts, gardening, music and movement as well as Bible study classes. Health support is provided through annual vision screenings and eyeglasses in partnership with GA Prevent Blindness, monthly Mobile Mercy stops, Emory student nurse visits and dental care through the Ben Massell Dental clinic.

The Foundation’s staff felt strongly that establishment of a new fund to benefit the Church of the Holy Comforter is an appropriate use of the bequest funds per the donors’ wishes.