Leadership Profile: Paul and Dorothy Shaffer - Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Paul Shaffer and his wife Dorothy came to Fort Wayne in 1952 and for the past 56 years, they’ve been diligently working to make the community a better place for everyone.

“I think it’s an obligation to help others,” says Mr. Shaffer. “We’re very fortunate and it’s our obligation to give back.”

Mr. Shaffer began working for Fort Wayne National Bank in 1952 and made his first pledge to United Way of Allen County that year. The Shaffers have given every year since then. Over the past half century, Mr. Shaffer estimates his and his wife’s gifts to United Way total more than $50,000.

What’s more, the Shaffers’ giving will continue, even after they pass on. They have established a fund at the Community Foundation that will continue to provide United Way of Allen County with an annual gift in perpetuity.

“I really believe in United Way,” says Mr. Shaffer. “I’m proud to be a donor.”

“The Shaffers’ long-term commitment to United Way is extraordinary,” says Robin Holley, director of major gifts and planned giving. “Their consistent giving has meant so much to United Way and the people who use our funded services.”

It’s not just money that the Shaffers have given to United Way and the community. They have provided lots of time and energy, too. Mr. Shaffer served as both a campaign chair and board chair for United Way (then named the United Fund). Mrs. Shaffer also worked to raise money for United Way going door to door in neighborhood campaigns.

At Fort Wayne National Bank, Mr. Shaffer served United Way in a variety of capacities, and he always encouraged 100 percent participation from the staff.

“In encouraging employees to give, I always told them it is better to be in a position to give than be asking to receive United Way dollars,” says Mr. Shaffer.

The Shaffers’ dedication to the community goes far beyond United Way. The number of organizations this generous couple has supported is too long to list, but just a few of the many are: Arts United; IPFW; Junior Achievement; Leadership Fort Wayne; the Mad Anthonys; the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce; the Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Better Business Bureau; and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Says Robin Holley: “From everyone at United Way of Allen County, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer for the amazing example of philanthropy you are setting in our community!”