In John Pedersen's office at Merrill Lynch in Davenport, three small antique gasoline engines -- Clinton engines -- sit on the windowsill. As a child, John loved gas engines and thought he would grow up to become an engineer.

Instead, in 1974 he became a financial advisor.

John is First Vice President-Investments at Merrill Lynch and a member of CFGRB's Advisor Circle. He has built a career on helping people build for their futures, and now that he's a grandfather, he understands very clearly the idea of returning -- of making the community a better place for the next generation.

"People spend their lives building wealth," John says. "What do you want to do with it when you're gone? People who are retired seem to be more attuned to the idea of giving back."

One of John's clients was Mary Peterson, who left a substantial gift to the Community Foundation in her estate plan. Mary had been a registered nurse. Her husband -- who passed away years before she did -- was an engineer.

At one point, Mary was approached by a university, suggesting that a building on campus with the Peterson's name on it would be the way to go. Instead, she decided to invest in students. She established a fund that gives scholarships to nursing and engineering students.

"I prepared a spreadsheet that showed her how many students she would be able to help over time, as the fund grew," John says. "She knew that when you help people, you are building a lasting legacy."

John is one of the investment advisors who manages the Community Foundation's endowment assets. When he sits down with clients and the subject of giving comes up, he talks about the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. It strikes a chord.

"The Community Foundation is the most cost-effective way to leave money to charity," John says. "Also, it's local. Your money helps people where you live."

As he speaks, the three small Clinton engines sit on the windowsill behind him, two red and one white, appearing shiny and brand new. The photo above shows him with one of the engines and a photo of his grandchildren. John Pedersen may not have become an engineer, but he's helping to build something more important -- better lives for his clients, and a better future for our community.