Family and friends of Willie Tichenor remember him as a young man with a passion for music and sports, a zest for life, the ability to make people laugh and a gift for inspiring those around him to be better.
After the 19-year-old died of osteosarcoma in 2006, those touched by Willie’s life wanted a way to honor his desire to make positive changes in the world. In Willie’s memory, his parents, Mac and Lisa Tichenor, and his brother, Taylor, established the WWWW Foundation, or QuadW. "What Would Willie Want?" is the question the Tichenors ponder as they consider ideas to make a difference in areas that meant a lot to Willie.
"Willie was the one who always brought people together," his parents said. "We now come together seeking to advance sarcoma research and support the educational and mission opportunities that were so important to him."
Seven friends of Willie and his oncologist, Dr. Robert G. Mennel, also serve as advisory directors and stay involved with all aspects of QuadW. Willie’s friends work along with the Tichenor family to further the foundation’s mission, which is to support people and organizations pursuing innovative ideas and grant opportunities in the areas of higher education, sarcoma research, personally transforming mission experiences and general philanthropy.
Last year, Lisa and Mac Tichenor, who also have a donor-advised fund at Communities Foundation of Texas,
wanted to provide the young QuadW board with training and support for its grantmaking, general fundraising and special events. After turning to CFT’s staff for assistance, they held their board meeting at the Mabel Peters Caruth Center and spent the day strategizing, learning about fundraising and setting goals for the coming year.
"Communities Foundation of Texas appreciates the unique opportunity we have with our young, committed board and has supported us in every possible way since our inception," said Lisa Tichenor. To learn more about the WWWW Foundation, please visit www.quadw.com.
Working with the QuadW Foundation is an example of the personal attention and customized service CFT offers to donors. Staff members are available to work with individuals and families to help them develop their charitable values, define their priorities and facilitate philanthropy through several generations. CFT also has a deep knowledge of the community and shares that knowledge to inform donors about funding opportunities that match their charitable interests.
To learn more about how CFT can help you and your family achieve your charitable giving goals, please contact Jackie Franey, gift planning and donor relations officer at 214-750-4226.