How can it be that I am only now realizing how truly great a person Clarence was? He was present and loving to SO MANY people, quietly helping and teaching in so many ways. I don’t think anyone knew the full scope of his compassion and caring. To me, that is one measure of a great person. The love we leave behind, indeed. 

In that spirit, I am posting this update to let you know the status of plans for the memorial being established in Clarence’s name with the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation for the purpose of furthering multicultural education. 

Leslie Wittgren (friend and coworker of Clarence) will lead the establishment and management of the fund in collaboration with Janet Kaparoff-Wright (friend of (Clarence) and others as appropriate. Leslie will also post updates on this Caring Bridge site.

Thanks to the generosity of many, a significant amount ($2400) has been raised so far…seriously, thank you. We hope to achieve sufficient funds to enable the option of creating a student scholarship in Clarence’s name ($6000).  

If you want to participate, direct donations to Clarence’s memorial can be made out to Lincoln Public Schools Foundation with Clarence’s name noted on the memo and sent to 5905 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. 

A fund matching opportunity! Thanks to the efforts of Janet Kaparoff-Wright, a friend of Clarence’s, her employer Sherwin Williams has agreed to match donations made through her at 100% up to $3000 per year. To be clear, I am told that donations through this route would not be tax deductible for the donor. If you want to participate in this matching opportunity, donations can be made out to Janet Kaparoff with Clarence’s name noted on the memo and sent to her at 1109 Melrose Drive, Westlake OH 44145-2827 or sent to her via Paypal at janetkaparoff@gmail.com.

Wishing you all the best of the holiday season.

Mike