About - Givens Philanthropy

Givens Philanthropy

Building a Foundation For

Possibilities

Give. Care. Enrich. Serve.

Our mission to expand the possibilities for aging across the Givens Communities organization begins with a clear vision for the future — one that is ignited by imagination and founded on core values that have guided us for nearly five decades:

People Passionate – We value every person. We strive to respect, support, enrich, and empower one another.

Make a Difference – We honor our legacy of making a difference in the lives of others. We see opportunities in challenges, seek creative solutions, and work tirelessly to ensure that we are improving and innovating to be a positive force in our community.

Power of Community – We are better and more creative when we work together. We harness the power of community for the greatest possible impact through collaboration, strong relationships, and embracing diversity.

Do What’s Right – We act with integrity and accountability, recognizing what is right is not always easy or popular. We take responsibility for our decisions, persevere through challenges, and are good stewards of our resources.

Our Vision

Endless Possibilities, Vibrant Aging

Our Mission

Creating Community, Empowering Lives

Meet The Team

Brian Guengerich
Vice President of Philanthropy
(828) 575-1085

Amy Renigar
Director of Philanthropy
(828) 669-6474

Joey Abel
Director of Community Impact
(828) 231-9535

Kristine Buckwalter
Associate Director of Philanthropy
(828) 357-3605

JoAnn Lindfors
Philanthropy Communications & Stewardship Associate
(828) 771-2220

History of Givens

The Givens Communities Board of Directors

Mrs. Donna A. Broadwell*
Ms. Alisa J. Brown
Mr. Kemper Brown, Sr.
The Reverend Dr. Mary W. Brown
The Reverend Karen L. Easter Bayne
Ms. Sheila C. Elingburg
Ms. Murphy Horne Fletcher
Mr. Douglas R. Ghidina
Mr. Larry B. Harris
Rev. Dr. James C. Howell
Mr. Sammy G. Jackson

Mr. Horace S. Jennings
Dr. Margaret A. Kuhn
Mrs. Doris P. Loomis*
Ms. Rebekah M. Lowe
Mr. Gerald H. Meyer
Mr. Joseph P. McGuire
Mr. F. Patrick McGuire
The Reverend W. Mark Ralls
Mr. Robert C. Roberts
Dr. Catherine A. Rogers (Cate)
Mr. Roger L. Shaul

Mr. Robert E. Shepherd*
Dr. Suzanne M. Sutherland
Mr. Kenneth W. Swayze, Jr.*
Mr. G. Edward Towson, II*
The Reverend Dr. R. Keith Turman
Mr. David C. Whilden
Mr. Alfred J. Whitesides, Jr.*
Mr. Denton A. Wilson Jr.

In 1975, after more than a decade of prayer and planning by the United Methodists, their dream for a retirement community in the mountains was realized through the generous estate gift from Marion J. Givens. The gift included 160 acres of land and the earnings from a $2.5 million trust. Nearly 50 years later, Givens Communities continues to be a vibrant nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. The guidance and dedication of these volunteers ensure the legacy of the Givens mission.

Philanthropy: Catalyst for a Thriving Community

Philanthropy, along with resident rates and fees and limited government reimbursement, are the sole sources of revenue at Givens. However, your gifts are not used to pay the bills or keep the lights on. Your giving turns dreams and imagination into innovative programs, amenities and services, and commitments into promises. In this way, philanthropy transforms the exceptional into the extraordinary to enrich resident life today and in the future.