Audiences at the Hylton Center will soon see a unique name adorning the halls of the Education and Rehearsal Wing. An anonymous donor has recently included the Hylton Center in their estate plans, and as such, the Hylton Center has recognized their outstanding generosity by naming the first of two classrooms in the Education and Rehearsal Hall the “Koko H. Beetle Classroom.”
But who is Koko H. Beetle? “It’s three names, really,” shared the anonymous benefactor. “ ’Koko’ is a cat – an adopted stray named for the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. ‘H.’ stands for Hobie, another adopted stray cat and short for Rehoboth, Delaware, a favorite place to visit. And ‘Beetle’ is one of my child’s nicknames since they were little.”
When asked what inspired them to remember the Hylton Center in their estate plans, the longtime donor and patron responded, “You can’t take it with you…we are really happy with what we have…and someone else can have the rest.”
Having grown up in a city surrounded by world-class arts, they recognized the Hylton Center as a true asset to the people in City of Manassas, Prince William County, and the surrounding community. This donor hopes that their gift will help the Hylton Center continue its mission to stimulate and transform the cultural and economic vitality of the region after their lifetime. Inviting others – especially children – who may not otherwise attend honors their own experience growing up, and extends their lifelong tradition of volunteerism and helping others.
They shared that their own child (that same “Beetle!”) practically grew up at the Hylton Center, attending performances and even performing on stage. That early introduction to the arts sparked a passion that is still alight today, manifested through continued participation as a performer and frequent audience member.
The parent-child duo worked side by side in making decisions about how they would plan for the future. “We live in a modest house, we live below our means…we decided that we would leave the bulk of our estate to be put to good use in the community.” They noted being inspired by others who have lived quietly and donated the majority of their wealth. Between a scholarship at “Beetle’s” alma mater – and now this outstanding support of the Hylton Center –the Hylton Center team very much looks forward to honoring these donors and making good on their desire to “put it to good use.”
George Mason University’s Office of Planned Giving is here to answer any questions you may have about how you can make an impact on the Hylton Center through an estate gift – no matter the size. Learn more here or contact our team at mylegacy@gmu.edu.
Story by Emily Robinson.