By Shaunna Graf
Retirement with a Purpose: Supporting Bernheim is an investment in the future.
In 1998, Cele and John Beckner answered a call for volunteers at ColorFest, the annual fall festival at Bernheim.
“I never thought John would sign up,” Cele recalled with a smile, “but he said, ‘Yeah, I’ll volunteer.’”
That simple decision sparked a decades-long relationship with Bernheim, rooted in generosity, creativity, and a deep love for the land. Their first roles were humble. John helped park cars, and Cele jumped into face painting.
“I’d never face painted before,” she laughed while recalling, “but I thought, I’ll try it.”
Despite busy work schedules, the Beckners kept showing up, year after year. As John’s and Cele’s reputation as skilled and dependable volunteers grew, so did the opportunities.
When Bernheim needed a Little Free Library, Whitney Wurzel, education director from 2010 to 2019, reached out to Cele to see if John might be interested. He was—and the project blossomed into something truly special. The wood was donated by a local partner, and the design came from fourth graders at Mount Washington Elementary.
“They wanted a living roof, just like the Visitor Center,” Cele said.
John took their ideas to heart, learning how to waterproof the structure and making adjustments as needed.
“Whatever he thought would work didn’t always work,” Cele admitted, “but he kept at it.”
When Cele retired, she returned to ColorFest with a new perspective. “I decided to stick with painting,” she said, “but this time it was kids painting pumpkins—which was hilarious.”
Dressed in her garden clothes, she embraced the mess and the fun. “All the other volunteers looked nice for Bernheim, and there I was with paint on me—but the kids and volunteers were great. It’s always been a lot of fun,” recalled Cele.
Her volunteer journey deepened when she joined Volunteer Naturalist program. Cele explained, “Wren said, ‘Why don’t you stay and see what it’s about?’ So I did—and I’ve been there ever since.”
With guidance from Wren and others, Cele found her voice as an interpreter, helping visitors connect with nature through storytelling and education. “Wren said you don’t have to go into depth—just enough to help people understand a few things,” added Cele, “She gives you the confidence.”
Cele’s connection to Bernheim goes back even further—to her childhood.
“My first field trip was in fourth grade,” she said. “We went on the Bent Twig Trail.” She returned for a visit in fifth grade, and again in eighth grade for a geology class. “We walked everywhere,” she remembered, “even to the picnic area for lunch.”
Like many local families, Bernheim became a backdrop for fond memories and many milestones.
“John and I used to come here and fish on our dates,” she said. “We decided to get married here—at the ‘Let There Be Light’ sculpture.”
In July of 2024, they celebrated 50 years of marriage—a testament to their enduring bond and shared love of nature.
Giving Back to Bernheim
When it came time to make a charitable distribution from their IRA, Cele and John didn’t hesitate.
“It was really just weighing everything together,” Cele said. “Working with our financial advisor, thinking ahead, and knowing Bernheim has always been part of our lives—it just made sense.”
Their gift is more than financial—it’s a reflection of a lifetime of connection, care, and commitment. From painted pumpkins to living roofs, the Beckners’ story is a reminder that giving isn’t just about what we offer—it’s about where our hearts have always belonged.
If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a tax-wise gift to Bernheim directly from your IRA. This type of charitable distribution can lower your taxable income while helping protect the forest and programs you cherish.
And if you’re age 73½ or older, your gift can also count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—a smart way to meet IRS requirements while supporting the natural spaces you love. It’s simple, impactful, and ensures your love for nature continues to grow for generations.
Please consult your financial or tax advisor to determine how this gift fits into your personal situation.
If you’d like to explore ways of giving or learn more about giving through your IRA, I’d be happy to talk with you. Your generosity helps Bernheim thrive for generations to come.
Shaunna Graf, CFRE
Director of Advancement
advancement@bernheim.org | (502) 215-7137
