Cynthia Wade, a recently retired teacher with a 35-year career, has chosen to include CFBNJ in her estate plan. Her story is a testament to the power of giving and the impact of dedicated educators who witness firsthand the effects of food insecurity on children.
Mid-career, Cynthia took a break from teaching to work in sales, but it wasn’t long before she felt a pull to return to the classroom. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I dreamed about teaching every night when I went to bed, so I went back and never regretted it.” Her passion for teaching music to children, particularly preschoolers, showed her the profound need for basic necessities, like food, in her students’ lives. Cynthia often saw kids come to school tired and lacking focus without enough to eat at home and felt compelled to help.
She first learned about CFBNJ when we provided writing materials to the Newark public schools where she taught. The experience left a lasting impression on her.
“Food is essential. You cannot do anything on an empty stomach,” she stated, emphasizing why she chose to include the FoodBank in her will. Her commitment to helping those in need stems from a deeply held belief in the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of reaching out to support others.
Cynthia’s decision to leave part of her estate to CFBNJ is rooted in a desire to contribute to a solution for disparities in quality of life, healthcare, and education – even in a small way.
“After the family is taken care of, it’s a small sacrifice to make,” she said when asked about the importance of becoming a legacy donor.
Her story is a call to action for others to consider including CFBNJ in their wills. Her commitment to CFBNJ ensures that her legacy will continue to support hunger-relief work long after she is gone.