Early this month, amidst the chaos and hustle of changes in staff and the ramp up for this year’s campaign, we received some surprising and exciting news: United Way of Anderson County had been named as a beneficiary of a trust, and would be receiving a generous donation from the late Charles Klabunde.
We were overwhelmed by this stranger’s generosity, a man who none of us knew. However, as we began investigating Mr. Klabunde–Charlie to his friends–we found that the giver was even sweeter than the gift.
Born and educated in Illinois, Charlie made the Smoky Mountains of Oak Ridge, TN his home for the past 60 years. He was a passionate conservationist and hiker and a committed member of several hiking and wilderness conservation groups. He joined the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club in 1965 and over the years, served as vice president, president, and finally the director, leading hikes, maintaining trails, and editing the club’s newsletter and handbook. Charlie also served as treasurer for Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning for more than 40 years.
Reading the notes and memories in Charlie’s guestbook is heartwarming; they paint a picture of an exceptionally kind and devoted man, who made a lasting impression on those who knew him. A caring and generous man in life, Charlie’s trust ensures his generosity will continue after his death; UWAC is only one of many other beneficiaries he named.
Charles Klabunde passed away this February, at 83 years old, after a full life serving the people and community around him. His kindness and passion are inspiring, not least to UWAC, which strives to make a positive and lasting impact in our community every day.
Thank you, Charlie.