Jim and Margaret Ann (McBurney) Hess were both born and raised in Ashland and returned to the community in 1982 to raise their family. As children, they observed their respective parents’ commitment to community service. “My parents were always helping others—either practically through our family farm or financially through our church,” Jim says. Margaret Ann’s parents served as volunteers at her schools, church, and through Kiwanis and 4-H. These family values led Jim and Margaret Ann to become involved with the Ashland County Community Foundation as Charter Founding Members.

Jim served on the original ACCF Board of Trustees, including several years as Treasurer, and as Chairman in 2004-2006. His background as a CPA allows him to share his knowledge in tax and estate planning with other board members and ACCF donors. He has chaired several other boards in the community, including Park Street Brethren Church, the Ashland Family YMCA, and the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. Margaret Ann is a Gem donor and Founding Steering Committee member of ACCF’s Women’s Fund.

The Hesses’ commitment to ACCF is long-term. “Our deferred gift is designated for ACCF General Endowment which will forever support ACCF and the Ashland County community,” Jim says. “With the solid structure that ACCF has in place today, we can be assured that future generations will benefit. We hope others will consider ACCF as a way to help their favorite charities, their church, and their community.”

Prepared 2005