When he died in 1919 at the age of 86, R.C. Buckner was laid to rest in the
only piece of property he still owned - a grave plot in Grove Hill Cemetery
a short distance from Buckner Orphans Home in Dallas. Dr. Buckner had
nothing left because he had given everything away. The orphans home and the
real estate holdings surrounding the home, once wholly owned by Dr. Buckner,
were left in the care of those who would follow after him. He made a plan
that matters.
For nearly 130 years, the ministries of Buckner have relied on generous
donors whose legacies continue because of their wise planning. Orphans,
at-risk children, families and elders are touched by our ministry in the
21st century because people in the 20th century made plans to provide
financial resources for today.
What about Tomorrow?
Now in our third century of ministry, the work of Buckner is strong and
vibrant today because of the faithful stewardship of committed
philanthropists. But what about tomorrow? Will boys and girls yet unborn
receive the same love and nurture Buckner provides for children today? Will
those who come behind us find us faithful?
The Good Shepherd Society
The Good Shepherd Society was established by Buckner Foundation to recognize
donors who have made planned gifts to the ministries of Buckner. In the
Bible, Jesus used the illustration of a "good shepherd" as someone who "lays
down his life" for others; someone willing to give everything for the
benefit of someone else.
The Good Shepherd Society honors individuals and families who embrace the
mission and ministries of Buckner by naming Buckner as a beneficiary in
their financial and estate plans. Members of the Good Shepherd Society hold
to the teachings of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who said, "Whatever you did
for one of the least of these children of mine, you did for me."
Those served by Buckner represent the "least of these" in our world today.
These are orphans, at-risk children and families facing desperation. And
just as Buckner has remained committed to serving them throughout our
history, we owe it to future generations to insure the work continues in
perpetuity. We serve today because others gave in the past. The Good
Shepherd Society recognizes the faithfulness of those who embrace the
mission and the restorative, healing and life enrichment ministries of
Buckner by naming Buckner as a beneficiary in their estate plans.
Membership is extended to those who:
- Name Buckner as a beneficiary in their will or trust.
- Name Buckner as a beneficiary of a gift that produces lifetime
income to the donor or family members, such as a charitable
gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust.
- Name Buckner as a beneficiary of their retirement plan.
- Name Buckner as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
- Name Buckner as the beneficiary of a residence, farm or
ranch while retaining the right to live in the home.
