Good Samaritans, kind -hearted citizens, and generous individuals often go unnoticed by many, but for the recipients of their kindness, their contributions can be uplifting, even life changing.
Hobe Sound resident Joseph “Mr. Joe” Carlin was a dedicated volunteer and guardian angel to many, prior to his passing on June 20, 2014. For years, his philanthropy anonymously supported hundreds of local residents whether by covering the dining tabs of Martin County Sheriff’s deputies or covering student needs at his neighborhood preschool where he also volunteered.
“Mr. Joe, as the children and staff referred to him, was a very giving and generous man. On several occasions, he overheard me speaking to a teacher about a child whose shoes or clothes were either too big or too small. He would hand me cash and ask me to buy the child clothing, always asking me not to tell anyone. He also anonymously paid for a special needs student’s summer camp tuition,” said Colleen Gitschier, manager of Hobe Sound Early Learning Center.
“After Mr. Joe was no longer able to volunteer at the Center, a little girl asked where he was. Many of the children loved him and looked for him to give them their lunch. We were all surprised because it had been months since the children had seen him. This is the kind of impact he made at the Center. We all miss him.”
Mr. Joe’s legacy will forever honor his commitment to philanthropy. With the help of his wealth advisor, Craig Price of UBS Financial Services, Inc. and attorney, Steve Wood of McCarthy, Summers, Bobko, Wood, Norman, Bass & Melby, P.A, Carlin donated his IRA fund to the Martin County Community Foundation by naming the foundation as the beneficiary. This gift established The Mary Catherine, Mary Elizabeth and Joseph Carlin Fund. The permanent endowment was established in in memory of Carlin, as well as his late wife Mary Elizabeth, and sister Mary Catherine, both who passed following battles with cancer. As the earnings of the endowment grow, the Martin County Community Foundation will award the funds in the form of grants to support causes that Carlin was passionate about, including but not limited to early learning, breast cancer treatment and care, end of life care, and American veterans.
Thanks to his gift to the Martin County Community Foundation, “Mr. Joe” Carlin’s legacy and giving spirit lives on, continuingto make a positive impact in our community. To learn how the Martin County Community Foundation can assist with your personalized philanthropy plans, call 772-288-3795 or visit YourMCCF.org.
About the Martin County Community Foundation The mission of the Martin County Community Foundation is to facilitate philanthropy. Established in 1988, it is a nonprofit, charitable foundation consisting of named funds established by many separate donors to support the common good. The Martin County Community Foundation serves as a vehicle for donors to make positive, long-term change by supporting causes and organizations they are passionate about. For more information, call 772-288-3795 or visit YourMCCF.org