donor-advised fund story

In 2001, Cumberland Community Foundation received a gift from from the estate of the late Jeanette Master Yanoff. At the time, the gift was the largest in the Foundation's history.  The gift created an endowment fund to support charitable programs according to a process designed by Mrs. Yanoff. She appointed trusted friends as grant advisors to make recommendations for distributions annually.

"We are so pleased that the Yanoffs chose Cumberland Community Foundation to implement their philanthropy." said Foundation executive director, Mary M. Holmes.

During 1997, Mrs. Yanoff designed an endowment fund that would receive a large gift at her death. Dr. Harry L. Yanoff died in 1996. Mrs. Yanoff died August 29, 2001. Both are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. "Now, we will begin implementing the Yanoff's plans to give back to their favorite charitable causes forever," Holmes said.

Lt. Colonel Harry L. Yanoff was an Army dentist. The Yanoffs were married in 1935 and traveled extensively over the world, both during his Army career and after his retirement in the 1960s. They led a quiet life at their home on St. Mary's Parkway in Fayetteville. They supported many causes during their lives, both locally and nationally. They were active members of Beth Israel Synagogue. Their joys in life included classical music, opera and theater. They supported many local organizations, including the Fayetteville Symphony, the NC Symphony, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and several other local theater groups.