Cricket Laun '46: Finding the Fun in Philanthropy

(July 18, 2011) -- Sixty years have passed since Cricket Laun '46 was a singer in the Simmons Bluettes, but she relives her experience every week when she sings with a group in her community. "I had such a good time at Simmons," Laun said. "It was perfect for me."

To honor her time at Simmons, Laun created a gift annuity that provides her with lifetime income, benefits Simmons, and supports the Making Education Work Campaign. "The gift annuity was a great way for me to give back. I never had the kind of big money to make a large outright gift but I could make an important impact this way," said Laun.

Largely because of Laun's gift, the Class of 1946 won the Kay Heggie Planned Giving Award for having the highest planned giving total of any reunion class.

Laun, a Lexington, Mass. native who now lives in Chappaqua, NY near one of her three daughters, was able to come to Simmons because of a scholarship. "You need to give back what was given to you," she said. Laun wants her unrestricted gift to allow Simmons to have an impact on the greater community: "I hope we will continue to attract young women who will go on to help this world."

Of her overall philanthropy experience, Laun couldn't be more enthusiastic. "I really feel strongly about giving back to Simmons," she said. "This is FUN."

To make a gift to Simmons, please consider doing so online, or for more information about Planned Gifts, please contact Director of Planned Giving Arlene Holtzman.

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