Thomas Family Legacy
A Story We Are Honored to Tell:
The Legacy of Anne and George Thomas
An Enduring Gift in NGCF’s 40th Year
As the North Georgia Community Foundation concludes 40 years of serving our community, we find ourselves reflecting on the stories that best capture the heart of our work. This year, we are honored to share one of those stories—the legacy of Anne and George Thomas.
Their story is one of generosity shaped by intention, guided by values, and rooted in a deep love for North Georgia.
Anne and George Thomas shared a lifelong commitment to this community—one reflected in the many organizations, churches, and places that benefited from their leadership, service, and philanthropy over the years. Their giving was thoughtful and personal, shaped by relationships and a belief that strong communities are built by caring for one another.
Following George’s death in 2017, Anne continued to carry forward the vision they had built together. She remained deeply engaged in the causes they both cherished, committed to ensuring that their generosity would continue to make a difference well beyond their lifetimes. Together with their daughter, Irene, Anne thoughtfully planned a legacy that reflects the Thomas family’s values and enduring love for community—one designed to serve others for generations to come.
Following Anne’s passing in March 2025, that long-planned vision was fulfilled through a legacy gift totaling tens of millions of dollars, entrusted to the North Georgia Community Foundation. This gift established endowments benefiting 12 nonprofits and churches in Gainesville, Georgia, and the neighboring community of Highlands, North Carolina, providing long-term sustainability and support for the organizations that mattered most to the Thomas family.
The beneficiaries include Brenau University (Nursing Program), Eagle Ranch, First Presbyterian Church – Gainesville, Gainesville First United Methodist Church (Smart Kids Lunch Program), Gateway Domestic Violence Center, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Good News Clinics, Highlands Community Child Development Center, First Presbyterian Church – Highlands, the Gainesville-Hall County Meals on Wheels program, Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, and Sisu.
In addition to these endowments, the Thomas family’s legacy plan included an unrestricted gift to NGCF, allowing the Foundation to respond to current and emerging community needs and to further advance our mission: to help people and nonprofits invest generously in the lives of those who call our community home.
In recent weeks, our team had the privilege of sharing this news directly with nonprofit and church partners. These moments—filled with surprise, gratitude, and hope—are reminders of the power of legacy giving and the lasting impact it can have when generosity is thoughtfully planned and carefully stewarded.
“At NGCF, we often say that generosity is about more than a gift—it’s about impact over time,” shared Michelle Prater, President & CEO of the North Georgia Community Foundation. “The legacy of Anne and George Thomas is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when philanthropy is rooted in love for community and guided by intention.”
As we close out this milestone year, at a time when stories are shared and legacies are reflected upon, the story of the Thomas family invites each of us to pause and consider an important question:
What will your legacy be?
How will your generosity continue to serve the community you love?
We are deeply honored by the trust the Thomas family placed in NGCF and grateful for the opportunity to steward a legacy that will strengthen North Georgia—now and for generations to come.
For Good. For Ever.
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Plan Today. Impact Tomorrow.
Legacy giving is about more than the future—it’s about the people and places you care about today. Through thoughtful planning and trusted stewardship, you can ensure your generosity continues to meet the needs of our community for years to come.
Start a legacy conversation with NGCF → contact Michelle Prater at: mprater@ngcf.org