Donor Stories

Donor Stories: Joe Niderost

The lifelong work of a farm family grants life-changing wishes

Joe Niderost, Jr. was a modest man who enjoyed fixing up cars, racing go-carts and—above all else—fishing. Joe created a “Golden Pond” on his family’s property where he would invite his friends’ children to fish. He considered this his greatest accomplishment, but he and his family left an even greater legacy for local children.

Joe created his will after he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, he passed away in 2011 at the age of 54. Inspired by his parents’ generosity, and particularly his mother’s involvement at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Joe left bequests to several charities, including Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.

“He was the kind of guy who always did his homework,” said his best friend, Gene Thurmond. “He wanted his family’s money to go to a charity that would use it wisely.”

We are grateful for Joe’s trust

Joe’s parting gift helped grant the wishes of 30 local children over the past two years. And more than $90,000 of his bequest has been committed to the Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington Wishing Well, a board designated fund set aside and invested to provide future income to support the mission. So, you could say that the Niderost family’s generosity and Joe’s “Golden Pond” are now a bountiful spring—one that will continue to generate revenue to benefit local children for many years to come.

Have you created a will? Joe knew he needed to prepare, as all of us do. If you need help knowing where to start, help is available right here at Leave 10. See Why You Need an Estate Plan and How to Leave 10%.