A Climate Solutions Legacy After a Life of Love

Samuel and Nikki Benson came from humble backgrounds. Sam had deep roots in Arkansas, where he was born in a house with a dirt floor. He graduated from Malvern Colored High School before earning a doctorate and medical degree from the University of Nebraska. Sam completed his residency in psychiatry at Stanford University Hospital and made his home in California. Eventually, Sam became a psychiatrist working with inmates on death row.

The Bensons met at a clinic in East Palo Alto: Sam was a doctor, and Nikki was a nurse. Nikki had been a single mom, struggling with the cost of raising three kids. She became a nurse to give her family a better life. She always appreciated getting a good deal at a thrift store—there was no wasting money on “fast fashion” for Nikki.

As the years went on, Sam and Nikki Benson found financial and career success. They were also philanthropically minded. About 10 years ago, before Sam passed away, they made the decision that EESI would be part of their legacy. Nikki’s daughter Michelle Hofacre—who considered Sam her dad—told EESI that, together, her parents decided to leave EESI a generous posthumous gift. Thinking back on Sam and Nikki’s commitment to environmental causes, Michelle recalled that her mother was attracted to EESI’s mission to advance science-based solutions for climate change. “She wanted to make the world safe for her grandchildren. She believed in what you do.”

Sam and Nikki chose one way of making a big impact after they were no longer with us: naming EESI as a beneficiary of their donor-advised fund (DAF). Indeed, while the Bensons are no longer with us, their desire to advance climate solutions will carry on.

Sam and Nikki are an inspiration. EESI is tremendously thankful for their shared commitment to improve the world for future generations. Their choice to name EESI as a beneficiary of their DAF is one of many ways to make a legacy gift. Other ways include naming EESI in your will or as a beneficiary of your retirement plan.

EESI has even established a partnership with FreeWill, a platform that helps individuals create wills for free, to help others motivated by the story of Sam and Nikki Benson. By following their example, you will be doing your part to advance climate change solutions now and forever.