Lorraine Hart

Lorraine is a community volunteer, and it's a title she wears with pride.

Lorraine, a longtime leader in the investment industry, now generously contributes her leadership to the non-profit community. In addition to board service for the Goodwill-Easter Seals Foundation, Lorraine volunteers on a number of other boards and committees.

For Lorraine, being a community volunteer also means exercising your voice as a citizen. She's a familiar face at the state capital, advocating with Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota's participants.

“Lorraine is one of our strongest advocacy champions on the board. Over the years she has developed relationships with her state legislators and she is always willing to reach out to her elected officials on behalf of the people we serve. Lorraine’s willingness to learn the issues, understand individual situations and advocate for policy solutions strengthens our message and our mission,” says Deanna Smiley Gulliford, director of public affairs.

“So many of my friends think of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota as a place to recycle clothes and household items, but there is so much more. The proceeds from store sales provide funding for the programs and services—an eye opener for many people,” says Lorraine.

“Our financial contributions directly help participants achieve their goals. So many of the participants have significant barriers to achieving their work goals. Education was a key building block for me in my career. The training and support participants receive significantly increase their earnings and help them advance in their careers while overcoming significant barriers to work.”

Lorraine supports programs through a donor advised fund she established at a community foundation. She sets a powerful example of how to give: Lorraine activates her interest in the public good through her values in the community foundation, for the benefit of participants.

“Establishing and using a donor advised fund to make contributions to Goodwill Easter-Seals Minnesota and other nonprofit organizations has been an easy and tax efficient method for me,” Lorraine explains. “I have the opportunity to time the donations to fit best with my needs and the needs of the organization.”

Lorraine's energy and her thoughtful approach to philanthropy is truly leadership by example.