PRINCETON '57 CLASSMATE FUND SETS STANDARD FOR EMULATION
Sheppard Davis '57 and George White '57

The Princeton Class of 1957 is justifiably proud of its Classmate Fund that has been, for more than a quarter century, serving the needs of members of the Princeton Class of 1957 and their spouses who have been the victims of unfortunate circumstances. Over these years the Fund has assisted more than 30 members of the '57 family, in many cases enabling them to get back on their feet and resume independent control of their lives.

Presently in 2013 the Fund is helping 8 individuals. The awareness of and support for the Fund is strong within the Class of 1957, and that fact enables and encourages class members to refer to the Fund classmates or spouses who have fallen on hard times.

The Fund evolved from the unexpected death of a classmate in 1985 at the age of 50 leaving his wife and six children in precarious circumstances. With help from classmates our late classmate's widow laid the groundwork for an income earning pursuit that enabled her to reestablish her independence and to meet her family's needs.

In 1987, at 1957's 30^th Reunion, incoming Class President Fred Reynolds and his classmate Shep Davis committed to going forward with a formal organization to meet such needs. Shep, as Trustee and President, and Fred, as a prospective Trustee, spent the better part of two years attaining IRS and State of New Jersey approval. Other classmates assisted. Much needed legal advice was provided by Bill Goldstein. Eldon Mayer and Elliott Otis added valuable consultation. The Classmate Fund commenced operation in 1ate1988 with Fred Reynolds and Bruce Rosborough as the initial Trustees. In the next few years those Trustees were joined by Nate Bachman, Bob Kent, and George White. The current Trustees are Shep Davis, President, Nate Bachman, VP, Bob Kent, VP, George White, Secretary, Charles Bernheim, Don Streett, Rusty Swan, Fred Reynolds, Ex-Officio, and John Storm, Agent.

Two tasks were paramount: raise funds and respond to the needs of classmates. Trustee Robert Kent was a vocal advocate and fundraiser for the Fund in its early years. Subsequently, Trustee Nate Bachman starred in fundraising with challenge pledges which resulted in substantial new resources. Another successful campaign was led by classmate Murray Peyton together with Trustees Bob Kent and George White in 2010. The Fund maintains currently a seven figure corpus conservatively managed. In addition, generous annual giving by classmates further insures protection for the future.

When the Fund is petitioned to accept a beneficiary, its leadership performs its due diligence to establish the terms and conditions of each support commitment. The recipient is encouraged to maintain communications with the Fund leadership. In several instances over the years the assistance, in a relatively short time, has enabled the beneficiary to resume life without continued support. In other instances the circumstances, usually health issues, have required continuing support to supplement the recipient's other resources which, at this point in our lives, are primarily Social Security and possibly a modest amount of savings. Davis and his fellow Trustees ensure that there is personal ongoing contact with beneficiaries. Other caring classmates contact the beneficiary to be certain that needs are being met as well as to provide guidance and friendship without threatening the beneficiary's sense of pride, privacy, and independence.