Communities of Coastal Georgia

"To whom much has been given, much is required." Susan Corn Wainright's maternal grandfather, D. A. Turner, drilled that into his children and grandchildren, and it became a family motto.

"And he didn't just mean money; he also meant our time, our passion, and our brains," explained Susan.  "My parents were heavily involved with local charities when I was growing up in Columbus, GA.  My sisters and I - there were five of us girls - always were expected to land summer jobs with local nonprofits that, while they might have been short on take-home pay, were long on community involvement."

Although they had two family foundations, Susan's parents, Lovick and Betty Corn, and all her sisters ultimately set up donor advised funds at the community foundation in Columbus.  When she learned of a new community foundation for coastal Georgia  - her home for the past 24 years - Susan established a fund here also.  Her parents and she also became early Founders.  "Community foundations make philanthropy so easy, and I feel blessed that we now have one serving the Golden Isles."

She has served on 10-15 local boards, has helped raise funds for Frederica Academy, MAP International, Harmony Square, Winship Cancer Institute, and others, but she admits to a special place in her heart for children and animals, and that translates locally to The Boys & Girls Clubs of S.E. Georgia and the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia.

As the mother of three children who were all raised here, she appreciates that the Boys & Girls Clubs offer a safe, structured environment for area children to explore their talents and further their education. "The Teen Center, especially, now puts us head and shoulders above so many communities were there is nothing for teens to do besides the movies and ‘hanging out'."

She sees a great future for the community and for the community foundation.  "The more people who understand what a community foundation can offer, the better off we will all be.  I just want to help spread the word."

"Susan Wainright's commitment and dedication to our mission is second to none," explains Brian Dolan, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia. "Without the support from benefactors such as Susan, we would not have been there for Brendan King."

Brendan, a high school senior, has been coming to the Club for over a decade.  He didn't feel safe in his home after school, and the Club became his refuge. There he found the guidance and support that built his confidence, gave him a sense of self-worth, and helped him make positive life decisions. Brendan is looking forward to his graduation and pursuing education beyond.  His main goal is to find a career that will allow him to take care of his family and also help those in need.  What path would Brendan King have chosen if it were not for community leaders such as Susan Wainright who keep the Club doors open?