Chris (left) and Roger (right) Heacock pictured in 2024.
Roger and Chris Heacock decided to go above and beyond their annual giving in 2024. Roger had inherited resources from his late father, an incredibly kind man who meant a lot to his family. The couple decided to honor Roger’s father’s memory with a major, project-based gift that would empower people for years to come.
“We wanted to spend it in a way that would improve lives — really make a difference for people,” Roger said.
They started with a general vision and met with our Giving Team to learn about the community’s needs. Eric Zimmer, Director of Philanthropy, helped them narrow down their goals by asking questions and sharing information about local nonprofits.
“It’s good to talk with someone whose job is to know the needs of the community,” Chris said.
Soon after, they received a draft Giving Plan over email with several options. One gift stood out to Roger and Chris: a community-run food trailer, or Veggie Wagon, for nonprofit Re-Member. Roger and Chris provided the remainder of funding needed for the trailer, so that Re-Member could get started right away.
Re-Member works with volunteers and members of the Oglala Lakota Nation to improve the quality of life on Pine Ridge Reservation. With Roger and Chris’s gift, the nonprofit began distributing produce from their garden, along with healthy meals, to families across Pine Ridge.
Re-Member has a long history of serving Pine Ridge, and the local community is deeply involved in the nonprofit’s work. Roger and Chris appreciated hearing how residents serve on the nonprofit’s staff and actively volunteer with the Veggie Wagon.
In addition to distributing food to those in need, Re-Member will use the Veggie Wagon to facilitate educational activities around gardening, cooking and nutrition. The program will open new business and employment opportunities to the community as it grows.
Roger and Chris said, “it feels good to give,” and they encourage other donors to make sure they’re granting their DAF dollars into the community.
Spend it while you’re alive, and while you can see the results! This brings a big smile to your face.
Roger heacock
If someone isn’t sure where to donate, “they can come into BHACF’s office, find out about the community’s needs, and make amazing things happen,” Chris said.
Explore Your Giving Options with BHACF
Generous people work with us to create a lasting impact in the region they love. At first, most people aren’t sure how to give or where to donate. Our Giving Team provides guidance, shares information and asks questions to personalize a plan for each donor. We usually receive feedback that donors feel fulfilled and confident in the meaningful ways they’re able to help others.
Connect with our Giving Team to learn about community needs and tools, like Donor Advised Funds, that make it easy and fulfilling to give.