Griffin Crawford

For Griffin Crawford and his wife, Vivian, the decision to help others through The Salvation Army is an extension of their “giving” lifestyle. As Griff puts it, “We were not ‘high livers’, we worked hard… if there were people in the family that needed money or something, and since we didn’t have children… we would help them out”. When it came time to consider their estate plans, the Crawfords included The Salvation Army as a beneficiary of their trust.

The Crawfords’ life together began in the 1940’s after Griff had been discharged from the U. S. Army due to his failing eyesight, a condition that would leave him blind by the age of 50. Griff’s condition hasn’t stopped them from living life to the fullest! With Vivian as his true “partner”, they started and operated several businesses, including a used car dealership, a Dodge dealership and a Ford dealership, and they delved into the real estate and stock markets. Griff credits Vivian’s talents as one of the prime reasons for their success, “we were a great team, she was very smart, and she was good with figures, and we just worked well together”.

After moving into a retirement community that could accommodate Vivian’s Alzheimer’s disease, Griff took up playing the drums at 74 years young, and now plays with groups for dances and events.

The Crawfords’ relationship with The Salvation Army began while bellringing with a service club. Griff went on to serve on the Advisory Council of the Olathe Corps at the time when The Salvation Army was just beginning its work there. When asked why they have chosen to support The Salvation Army with their ultimate gift, Griff replied, “I’ve always felt that (The Army) did good things, and the money was well used”.

If you would like more information on how to help others through a gift to The Salvation Army, please mail the card on the other side or contact us by phone or email. We would love to talk with you.