Spreading the benefits of charitable giving

“Through the years and in the practice of law, I have had the opportunity to be involved with a number of individuals, who, in their lifetime as well as their estate plan, desire to give something back to the community.”

Clemens A. “Cal” Werner Jr. has been involved with charitable giving for most of his life. In the late 1970’s, Cal was appointed to the Davenport Area Foundation’s distribution committee. While serving on this committee Cal became involved in and supportive of a project to create a broader-based Quad City community foundation. His efforts, along with other influential leaders, led to the formation of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend in 1997.

Cal has continued to play an instrumental role in the growth and development of the Community Foundation. He recognized his parent’s belief in the value of post high school education so he recommended they create a scholarship fund with the Foundation. The Jane and Clem Werner Scholarship Fund was among one of the first funds to be created at the Community Foundation.

Cal is also a member of the Foundation’s Advisor Circle. A partner in Bittner, Lambert & Werner Law Firm, Cal is able to guide his clients through the process of considering, planning and making a planned gift to the Community Foundation if they desire to do so.

“My role in estate planning is never to tell the client what he or she should do, but rather make sure the client is aware of charitable organizations that work to better our community,” said Werner.

The Community Foundation has grown in size and is able to make a larger impact in the community because of progressive thinking individuals like Cal Werner. The Foundation continues to partner with attorneys, accountants, financial planners and insurance agents to spread the benefits of charitable giving.