The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation announced it has received a $15 million gift from the bequest of Donald and Mary Williams. It is the largest single gift in the Community Foundation’s history and will go to support the arts, youth, horticulture and unrestricted giving to meet the changing needs of the Pierce County community under the Donald R. and Mary E. Williams Fund.

“We are truly humbled by this generous gift,” said Rose Lincoln Hamilton, President and CEO of The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. “The Williams cared deeply for the Tacoma community and their generosity will continue to benefit the region for years to come.”

Donald Williams had a long and successful career as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where he was employed for 45 years. He also was involved in a number of business ventures, including an import/export business partnership in the Johnson group, a number of real estate investments and a brief stint owning a radio station in Anacortes. Both Don and Mary enjoyed business matters and were known for their strong business sense, savvy investing and prudence in financial matters.

Donald “Don” Williams was born in Seattle in 1928. His father operated a dairy and egg shop at Pike Place Market. In his youth, Don worked at his father’s shop and the experience helped spark his budding entrepreneurial interests. After graduating from Queen Anne High School, Don attended the University of Washington, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and earned a B.A. in Business Administration. Shortly after graduating, Don joined the Army and served for two years during the time of the Korean War.

Don’s future wife, Mary Mossman, was also a Seattle native who graduated from Garfield High School. Mary continued her education at the University of Washington, where she was an active member of the Association of Women Students, ASUW and the Alpha Phi Sorority. Though they were just one year apart in school and both members of the business school—Mary graduated with a B.A. in Personnel Management—it wasn’t until years later that their paths crossed.

The couple were married in 1956 and moved to Tacoma when Don was transferred early in his tenure at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. “When Don and Mary came to Tacoma from Seattle, they never looked back. They joined different organizations and became a part of Tacoma,” said longtime friend James McCormack.

After 47 years of marriage, Don passed away in 2003. He was followed by his wife, Mary, in September of 2011. The couple had no children.

“Don and Mary really embraced Tacoma,” added McCormack. “They did well financially while living here and wished to leave a valuable legacy to the community. They viewed the Community Foundation as the best choice for managing their considerable assets. To have this (bequest) go to The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and know that it will be handled well and will benefit Tacoma for years is a great outcome.”

Don and Mary shared a passion for community involvement and supported numerous charitable causes both with their time and their financial resources. In the 1990’s, Don served for six years as a member of The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s Board of Directors and was also on the Investment Committee. He was also on the Board of a number of other organizations, including the Tacoma Boys & Girls Club, Young Men’s Business Club, Tacoma Goodwill Industries and was the past president of the Tacoma Club. Mary was active in the Tacoma Garden Club and dedicated volunteer at the Point Defiance Native Garden. She was also the Alumni Advisor for the Alpha Phi Sorority Chapter at University of Puget Sound for many years and served a term as President of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association, as well as an active member of NESIKA Study Club, YMBC Auxiliary and Fircrest Golf Club’s Women’s Golf Association.

The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization and trusted partner with the Pierce County community, fostering generosity by connecting people who care with causes that matter. By leveraging community funds, the Community Foundation provides effective, long-term social investment strategies to donors and people of Pierce County in order to address emerging issues facing the community. Building a safe, vibrant, engaged community is central to the mission of the Community Foundation. The Community Foundation awarded over $2.8 million in grants and scholarship during Fiscal Year 2011. Over the last 30 years, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $84 million in grants and currently manages $83 million in assets.

For more information, visit gtcf.org.