Local farmers Charlie and Joann Harrington plant bright futures for DeWitt

Charlie Harrington has spent his entire life on the farm. Growing up in DeWitt, he learned the importance of a hard day’s work early in life.

“I started driving tractors when I was about 12 years old,” he said. “Had to crank them in those days.”

While in school, he spent his spare time showing Chester White hogs, and later went on to join the family business breeding and selling pigs.

When he met his wife, Joanne, over 60 years ago, he quickly discovered she also shared a love for farming.

“I wasn't going to get married unless I had a farmer,” said Joanne with a smile.

Charlie and Joanne raised three children on their century farm and were the state corn yield contest winners in 1960 with 162 bushels an acre yield.

Today, they have nine grandchildren whom they refer to as their “pride and joy.”

The Harringtons recently gifted a life insurance policy to the LincolnWay Community Foundation (LWCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

The proceeds from the policy will establish three endowment funds totaling $140,000 each to annually support the DeWitt Hospital Foundation, the DeWitt United Methodist Church, and the Central Education Foundation with preference given to agricultural programs.

“I love when people have the opportunity to do what they want to do,” said Joann.

Donors who receive taxable income from life insurance policies can take advantage of several tax-advantaged ways to make those assets work for them and the causes they support. For example, donors who give to endowments through the Community Foundation benefit from the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit in addition to federal charitable income tax deductions.

“The Harringtons are a reminder that our region is full of generous people creating greater good,” said LWCF Executive Director Pat Henrickson. “The Community Foundation is proud to bring people together to strengthen our communities and inspire giving for lasting change.”

LincolnWay Community Foundation assists in charitable projects and programs that contribute to the quality of life in rural Clinton County, Iowa. To learn more, visit dbqfoundation.org/lincolnway.