“Every tree has a story. I’m not a collector of trees, but a collector of the stories about the trees,” says fundholder Nancy MacKerrow.
Nancy began planting trees in 2003 — honoring her daughter Susie after she was tragically killed by a tour bus while legally crossing the street in a crosswalk.
She’s now planted over 1,000 around the world. Some are dedicated to Susie, but she also plants trees to help the environment, to celebrate events and milestones, and to help others honor loved ones.
Ensuring long-term impact, Nancy established The Susie Stephens Fund for the Susie Forest in 2008, which will support “Susie Trees” long after Nancy’s lifetime.
She has since created two additional funds: one to commemorate her own 100th birthday with 100 trees, and one to support improvisational arts organizations in honor of her son.
Funds are a wonderful way to honor somebody or leave your own legacy for the future, because they will last forever. I know there will always be tree plantings and support for the improvisational arts community.”
