Volunteer Provides for Family and OMSI, Creates Lasting Legacy
"I enjoy my Wednesdays here and I miss it when I am away for an extended period," is a statement often expressed by Dick Raub, a veteran OMSI volunteer for more than 15 years. Dick started in the Earth Science Hall because of his interest in meteorology. When the Star Wars exhibit arrived, OMSI asked him to be a shift captain because of history as a volunteer manager and his ease relating with a wide array of people. After that he bounced around filling roles as needed. Now Dick generally volunteers in the Physics Lab and is particularly fond of Family Science Nights, where Dick loves connecting with children and adults.
By volunteering at OMSI he gets a chance to share his knowledge and love for learning with children and adults. The impetus for sharing knowledge was bestowed upon him at an early age by his two role models: his high school English teacher and college music professor. They both instilled in him the love of learning new things and sharing that with your community. Being a volunteer at OMSI gives Dick a chance to do just that, which is a constant joy that provides him so much fulfillment.
As a volunteer, Dick is continually impressed with how well the museum treats its volunteers. He is always welcomed by Kristen Kraklow, OMSI's Volunteer Engagement and Experience Manager, and the rest of the OMSI staff. Dick explained, "For OMSI, volunteers are probably the single-most valuable resource. Without them, in their many roles, the museum could not function effectively." This feeling of appreciation led to Dick and his wife, Mary, deciding to make a generous and lasting gift, creating their OMSI legacy.
After attending an OMSI planned giving seminar, they learned they could leave their estate both to their children and important organizations through a Charitable Remainder Trust. They updated their will and created a trust that leaves most of their estate to their children over an extended period, while at the same time building a remainder that can be shared with OMSI.
"Interestingly, we always knew we wanted to give back to our community while providing for our family," Dick explained. He feels that by supporting OMSI with a planned gift children will have the opportunity to enjoy the museum for many generations to come, and hopefully their gift will inspire others to give too. "Organizations like OMSI are providing value to the community, and without the financial support they could not go on," remarked Dick.
When Dick is not volunteering, he enjoys hiking, traveling with Mary and attending a variety of cultural events especially musical ones. Each year he covers the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park and several other hikes throughout the Gorge and beyond. He can also be found sailing in places like Seattle and the Caribbean.
OMSI thanks Dick for making plans to support OMSI well into the future as a member of the J.C. Stevens Legacy Society.
About the J.C. Stevens Legacy Society
The J.C. Stevens Legacy Society, named after OMSI's visionary founder, recognizes donors who have included OMSI in their estate plan. We are pleased to extend special invitations to exclusive OMSI events and private tours to Legacy Society members. All you need to do is tell OMSI that your plan is in place and that you are willing to be publicly listed on the J.C. Stevens Legacy Society honor roll, setting the example for others to follow. If you wish, your gift can remain anonymous.
To learn more about how you can become a member of the J.C. Stevens Legacy Society, please contact Miguel Cobian at (503) 797-4522 or [email protected].