Celebrating Clark’s Legacy, One Meal at a Time

Last November, Food Finders Food Bank received a large, unexpected gift from the estate of Clark Taylor. While Clark had made a handful of small donations to the food bank over the years, a gift of this size was unexpected. Wanting to thank someone and learn more about Clark, Food Finders reached out to the firm settling the estate and were introduced to Susan, one of Clark’s dearest friends, who proudly shared his story.

Clark was, by all accounts, an incredible person. A veteran, a marathon runner, multilingual, and someone of many talents and hobbies. According to Susan, he was a genuinely kind and brilliant man who was deeply committed to his community. Though both Susan and Clark grew up in Greater Lafayette, the two met later in life, becoming quick friends when Susan returned to the area to care for her aging parents. While going through her parents’ belongings after their passing, Susan discovered a collection of old ‘thank you’ letters from Food Finders.

Her parents had been local gardeners who regularly donated their produce to the food bank. Without family nearby, Clark came to rely on Susan not only as a dear friend of over a decade, but also as a caregiver in his final years. Working together to plan his estate, they discussed several charities he might direct a portion of his estate to. During this discussion, Susan remembered the stack of thank you letters she had found at her parents and suggested Food Finders. Clark settled on Food Finders as well as a few additional organizations that reflected his values.

When Food Finders’ President/CEO Kier Crites Muller finally reached Susan, she invited Susan to tour the Fresh Market so she could see firsthand the impact Clark’s gift would have on the community he loved. As she moved through the pantry, Susan spoke about Clark with warmth and admiration. She expressed confidence that he would be proud to know his legacy would mean families experiencing hardship would have dignified access to fresh food.

On the tour, she learned about Food Finders’ Senior Grocery Delivery program, which brings food directly to older adults who are no longer able to shop for themselves. This summer, Susan plans to volunteer with Food Finders as a substitute driver for the Senior Grocery Program. Clark’s legacy, and Susan’s decision to carry it forward, illuminates what is possible when people choose to show up for one another. Whether it is neighbors checking on each other, friends honoring friends, or strangers whose paths never crossed leaving behind gifts that can change lives, we are at our best when we look out for each other.