One couple’s inspiring philosophy on giving back to the community
The story of John and Susan Frank and their ongoing support of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is inspiring.
“We have nothing of our own, but are given all that we have,” says John. “To not share would be embarrassing. The emotional rewards of sharing must be experienced rather than described.”
The couple’s philosophy on giving illustrates the passion and thoughtfulness of the countless donors we have been fortunate to work with since 1969.
An Oklahoma native, John graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1967. Originally from Indianapolis, Susan graduated from Purdue University and moved to Oklahoma in 1974 for a job opportunity. The two were married in 1976 and have established successful careers in Oklahoma City, John owns an accounting firm and Susan is the development director at Westminster School.
In 1993, the Franks established both Legacy and Express Funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation to provide vehicles for continued and regular giving to charitable organizations and programs in the community.
“The Oklahoma City Community Foundation allows us to provide continued support of the programs we care about,” says John. “We feel comfortable knowing that our charitable wishes will be carried out through our estate plans, so that we may continue to help future generations.”
One of the many charitable programs the Franks support is the Regional Food Bank’s Kids Cafe program. An afterschool and summer program, Kids Cafe provides food, mentoring, tutoring, and a variety of other activities to approximately 850 chronically hungry children at 16 sites in central and western Oklahoma. Through the support of donors such as the Franks, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is able to better fight childhood hunger and, as a result, the children served show improvements in behavior and school performance.
“Children living in poverty have to do without a lot of things – we believe food should not be one of them,” says Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “Thanks to many generous donors, the Regional Food Bank’s Kid’s Cafe program provides at-risk children with a safe after-school environment where they can get help with their homework, enjoy healthy activities and receive a nutritious snack or meal. Were it not for Kids Cafe, many of these children would have no place to go and nothing to eat after school.”
Additionally, John and Susan support other charitable organizations through their advised funds, including World Neighbors, Infant Crisis Services, Heritage Hall and Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma. Thanks to their generous spirit and selfless giving, they are truly making a difference in our community.
John and Susan Frank are just one example of the thousands of donors who we have helped realize their charitable goals to the benefit of our community. Read more donor stories featured in Our Story by downloading the publication here.
