The H.A.R.D. Foundation is honored to work with legacy donors Gerry and Winnie. Their commitment to the arts and literacy will impact our community for generations to come.

Their estate plans help to ensure that their passion for education, creativity, and sustainability will continue to thrive through the programs and initiatives supported by the Foundation. Their generosity reflects a deep belief in the power of art and literacy to transform lives and a shared vision for a future where these resources are accessible to more people. This article celebrates their journey with the H.A.R.D. Foundation and their incredible contribution toward securing the future of vital programs.

How We Got Involved: We connected with the H.A.R.D. Foundation while we were researching meaningful ways to give back to the community. For years, we pondered how and where we could leave our resources for the greater good. A H.A.R.D. Board Member suggested we contact the Executive Director and Recreation Supervisor for Arts and Crafts of the H.A.R.D. Foundation. From the moment we met with them, we knew we had found a good fit. Their openness and shared vision of what could be accomplished through community-driven programs reassured us that we were on the right path.

It’s been rewarding to work with the H.A.R.D. Foundation and H.A.R.D. They are incredibly supportive of our goals, and we’ve seen firsthand how their passion for the arts and education aligns with ours. We’re confident that our legacy will be in good hands, and that the programs we care deeply about will flourish under their guidance.

Our Commitment to Art & Literacy:

Art Both Gerry and Winnie work out of individual art studios they created on their property.

Gerry is a dedicated oil painter who tends to dance at the intersection of abstract and representational art. He enjoys showing and sharing his art. Winnie enjoys creating abstract art full of bright colors.

Both Gerry’s and Winnie’s art can be seen on Instagram @geraldlthompson.

Literacy: Many years ago, Winnie was inspired by her mother Margaret Robbins (also an artist) to join her as a literacy tutor. While Winnie was a teacher at the Hayward Adult School, she wrote “Fast Forward to Phonics—Learn to Read English” – it helps students improve their basic skills. Many people don’t realize the extent of the illiteracy problem, and the problems that it creates.

For over twenty years, Winnie has tutored individuals at the Hayward Library and worked closely with the Hayward Literacy Plus Council to provide resources for those who need them. Her passion for literacy extends to her desire to see it incorporated into future programming by the H.A.R.D. Foundation, ensuring that literacy continues to play a pivotal role in community development.

Looking to the Future: Through our support, we envision a future where art exhibitions and literacy programs thrive within the H.A.R.D. Foundation’s service area. We hope our legacy will contribute to the creation of a permanent art gallery space, where local artists can display their work, and where the community can gather to celebrate creativity. By combining our passions—art, literacy, and sustainability—we believe we can help foster a more vibrant, engaged community that values education, self-expression, and the environment.

We’re confident that by partnering with the H.A.R.D. Foundation, our legacy will make a lasting difference. Whether it’s through creating more spaces for art and creativity, supporting literacy programs, or maintaining our property as a model of sustainable living, we hope that future generations will benefit from our contributions and be inspired to leave their own mark on the community.

For more information on making a legacy gift, contact H.A.R.D. Foundation Executive Director, Steven Love, at lovs@haywardrec.org or 510-514-5722