From Classroom to Community: Carole Hancock
Raised in a family where giving was second nature, Carole grew up with a deep understanding of the importance of helping others. "My parents instilled in me at a young age that it's not about what you have, but what you give," Carole remembers. "Kindness and generosity are the most valuable gifts we can offer." Her parents' unwavering commitment to philanthropy was a guiding light, shaping Carole's values and inspiring her lifelong dedication to making a difference.
Carole's belief in the power of giving back was deeply rooted in her experiences of receiving support and encouragement. "Receiving kindness and support throughout my life made me realize how important it is to give back," Carole says. "I always knew I wanted to pay the kindness I received growing up forward in some way."
With a career in education spanning 44 years, Carole dedicated her life to nurturing and guiding students. "Though I never had children of my own, my students were like my kids," Carole explained. "Their growth and achievements were some of my greatest joys, and I wanted to support them just as I would my own family." She spent many years touching countless lives through her compassionate teaching and endless support.
Carole's philosophy of giving mirrors her approach to teaching. She understands that the impact of her actions may not always be visible or immediate, but she believes in the lasting influence of her efforts. Just as a teacher plants seeds of knowledge, Carole trusts that her acts of kindness will grow and inspire others to continue the cycle of generosity.
"Philanthropy is like teaching," Carole says. "You plant seeds of kindness and trust that they will grow, even if you don't see the results right away. It's about creating ripples of positive change that spread far and wide."
In 2012, with her late husband, Dr. George Whitmore 'Whit' Hancock, Jr., Carole established the Hancock Family Charitable Fund as a donor-advised fund. Initially, they decided to set this fund up for practical tax deduction reasons, but through this process, they formed a strong relationship with the Foundation. "Whit and I believed in the importance of giving back, and this initial fund was our way of ensuring our contributions would make a lasting impact," Carole reflects.
After Whit's passing, Carole began digging deeper into her involvement in philanthropy. She immersed herself in the Foundation's work, uncovering a vast network of causes and organizations that needed support. "I began to reevaluate our purpose in giving back to our community," Carole reflects. "I knew I wanted to honor his memory by doing more, by ensuring our resources made a real difference."
Carole restructured their trust to direct significant resources to the Foundation, joining the prestigious Legacy Society. The Legacy Society is an esteemed group of donors who have made a profound commitment to supporting the community through their charitable contributions, ensuring their philanthropy continues long into the future. By including the Foundation in their estate plans, members of the Legacy Society provide planned gifts such as bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance, or retirement plan assets. This decision ensured a lasting impact on the community. It cemented Carole's commitment to philanthropy, honoring Whit's memory and perpetuating the values of kindness and generosity that have always guided her life.
Her philanthropic journey didn't stop there. In 2021, Carole established the Rising Star Fund, a unique initiative focused on educating and developing young individuals in her community. This fund reflects her lifelong dedication to nurturing potential and providing opportunities for others to succeed. "The Rising Star Fund is about giving young people the tools and support they need to shine," Carole explains, her face lighting up with a smile. "Education has always been my passion, and this fund allows me to continue supporting students, just as I did in the classroom."
The Rising Star Fund provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and resources to help young individuals pursue their educational goals and personal development. By investing in their future, Carole aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders and changemakers who will continue the generosity and community support cycle.
In addition to her individual acts of kindness and the funds she has established, Carole has also dedicated her time and expertise to various boards, further demonstrating her commitment to her community. She currently serves on the WSCO Foundation Board, the Betsey Mills Club Board, and the Children's Toy and Doll Museum Board. Previously, she served on the Ely Chapman Foundation Board and the Empty Bowls Board. Her involvement in these organizations highlights her continued dedication to supporting and uplifting those in need.
Carole's approach to giving is characterized by humility and discretion. She prefers to remain anonymous, finding immense joy in quietly helping others. Whether covering a child's school expenses or assisting a family in need, Carole's acts of kindness are heartfelt and impactful. "Helping others without seeking recognition is the purest form of giving," Carole says gently. "It's about making a difference in someone's life, knowing you've brought a little light into their day."
Carole's story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact one person can have through quiet, consistent acts of generosity. She hopes her journey will inspire others to embrace a life of kindness and philanthropy, emphasizing that every gesture, no matter how small, can create a lasting change.
"If my story encourages even one person to give back," Carole concludes, "then it's worth sharing. Because every act of kindness has the potential to make a difference, and that's the legacy I want to leave."