NGL Matching Funds Propel Selected Educational Trust to $50,000 in Contributions

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — December 9, 2025 — Thanks in part to a generous donation match challenge issued by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL), the Selected Educational Trust raised more than $40,000 in donations from Selected member firms, individuals, and supporting organizations between September 15 and October 31. With NGL’s commitment to match donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000, total contributions surpassed $50,000.

“The future of funeral service depends on engaged funeral home owners and staff, supportive vendors and organizations that offer robust resources for education and growth,” said Leigh Klemencic, Assistant Vice President – Marketing Communications. “The Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust is one such organization, and NGL is delighted to participate in this gift match. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I’ve had the honor of seeing firsthand the incredible work this organization does and know these funds will go to very good use.”

“We are sincerely grateful to NGL for championing this effort and to every donor who answered the call,” said Stefanie Favia, Executive Director of the Selected Educational Trust. “This match challenge inspired remarkable generosity across our community and directly strengthens the resources we can offer to independent funeral service professionals. By working together, we are advancing education, supporting career development, and investing in the future of our profession.”

With these funds, the Selected Educational Trust will continue its important work of empowering funeral service professionals to thrive in their careers and better serve their communities. This includes connecting independent funeral homes with the next generation of the profession and providing scholarships and progressive skill-building opportunities for funeral service professionals at all stages of their careers.

For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.

About the Selected Educational Trust

The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

It is not surprising that at the same time we are seeing consumer confidence erode in the U.S.A. that we are also finding some statistical data to tell us that funeral client families are more often coming up short with funding to pay their Death Care obligations.  Statistics are somewhat difficult to find on this subject as every state, and sometimes even counties and cities, has a different way of supporting those who cannot pay for Death Care services.

However, a recent article in Funeral Service Times of Great Britain put forward the fact that refusals for Death Care assistance in Great Britain have risen by over 36% in the past 4 years.  The program works according to this article (you may find a paywall here) whereby the British government “provides financial help towards funeral costs for people on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Income Support. Applications may be refused if the claimant is not in receipt of a qualifying benefit, if another family member is considered responsible, or if the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) determines that funds are available elsewhere.”

Through a freedom of information request of the British government, GoFundMe found out that the number of refusals has increased, which also leads me to believe that the number of requests has also increased.

The article also stated, “GoFundMe has reported a surge in memorial fundraising. The number of donors to UK (United Kingdom) memorial fundraisers rose by around 25% between 2022 and 2024, while the average donation increased by about 11% year-on-year. The platform said 2025 is on track to record the highest levels of giving since the pandemic.”

The article also pointed out that the average cost of a funeral in Great Britain has risen to US $ 5,294 and that the average request for assistance is for a shortfall of US $ 2,912.  It is also pointed out that the average award given out in the Funeral Expense Payment request is US $ 1,450. . . . about half of what applicants are asking for.

Related Article — U.S. consumer confidence tanks in November as more Americans see financial pain ahead.  Yahoo Finance.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  A couple of things come to mind as I analyze this article.  First of all, through my work with Funeral Director Daily and readers in all English speaking countries, I have come to realize that the business of Death Care is pretty universal in all of these developed countries — especially the ones where Funeral Director Daily has a number of subscribers such as the US, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

I also realize that the economies of the world seem to operate in the same cyclical up-and-down economic situation.

That leads me to believe that if Great Britain is seeing an increase in people not having the means to pay for Death Care obligations, that same phenomena is probably happening in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

If that is the case and you are going to be serving more and more families who have this limiting “financial depth” situation you need to be able to point them in a direction that can help them so you can get paid and more importantly so that they can get this obligation out from under their lives.

I would suggest that you take a look at the family funeral home designed and owned crowdfunding site Treasured Memories Community Funding.  This company, that you can access information on here, can not only help your Death Care clients raise funds but it can also be used to help non-profits and others in your trade area raise funds for all kinds of great endeavors. . . . and like I said, it is family-funeral home owned, operated, and developed.

Final Thought — This article is a good article on how family poverty in America was designated and the thought process and way of defining  that designation from the 1963 reasoning about how it was defined that may no longer may be applicable.  For instance did you know the definition of how the “U.S. Poverty Line” is calculated?  Here is the definition — “The U.S. poverty line is calculated at three times the minimum food diet in 1963, adjusted for inflation”.

The author makes the point that with all of the other changes in society in the past 62 years, maybe we should have a different definition of how “family poverty” is defined.  I found it interesting to read and thought provoking and thought today’s subject matter was as good a place as any to insert it for your knowledge.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

The Funeral Service Foundation Announces New Trustees, Raises Record Funds and Honors Scholarship Recipients at 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo

Chicago, Illinois — The Funeral Service Foundation celebrated a milestone week during the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo, held in Chicago, Illinois. From welcoming new trustees and raising record-breaking funds to honoring outstanding donors and scholarship recipients, the Foundation’s impact was felt throughout the event.

Foundation Welcomes New Trustees and Elects 2025–26 Executive Committee

The Funeral Service Foundation’s Board of Trustees welcomed two new trustees and elected its 2025-26 executive committee at its meeting during the NFDA Convention.

The Foundation’s volunteer board consists of dedicated funeral directors and allied professionals who serve together to advance the Foundation’s mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

Michael Soper of Legacy Funeral Group was voted onto the board in July and officially began the first of two three-year terms at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on October 25, 2025. Ellen Wynn McBrayer, NFDA Secretary, also joined the board at the meeting as the NFDA Liaison.

During the meeting, the board elected its executive committee:

• Jeff Smith, President of Smith Family Funeral Homes in Arkansas, will serve as Board Chair.
• Bryant Hightower, Funeral Director at Hightower Family Funeral Homes in Georgia, will serve as Chair-elect.
• John Faulk, Senior Vice President, COO at Service Corporation International, will serve as Treasurer.
• John Heald, Chief Growth Officer at Legacy.com, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.
• Ellen Wynn McBrayer, of Jones Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory in Georgia assumes the role of NFDA Liaison.

The Foundation extends sincere thanks to Trustees Emeriti David Falconer and Daniel Ford for their years of dedicated service and leadership and congratulates Ford on his installation as the new NFDA President.

“It is with gratitude and appreciation that I step into the role of Chair,” said Jeff Smith. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of those who helped shape this Foundation into what it is today and whose leadership has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead.”

25th Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic Tees Off at Topgolf Schaumburg

On October 26, 2025, more than 160 golfers and spectators gathered at Topgolf Schaumburg for the 25th annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. Held alongside the NFDA Convention, the event combines friendly competition, networking, and fun – all while supporting the Foundation’s mission to strengthen funeral service and the communities it serves.

“Events like the Golf Classic remind us how special this profession is,” said Will Bischoff, Chair of the Fund Development Committee. “It’s a chance to connect, celebrate and give back, knowing that every dollar raised supports the Foundation’s work to strengthen funeral service and the communities we serve.”

The event featured Topgolf’s Top Contender game with contests such as closest to the pin and longest drive. Winners included:

• Golf Classic Tournament Champions: 1st Place – LPI; 2nd Place – Matthews Aurora
• Closest to the Pin: Men – Steve Feliciano; Women – Candace Aramburu
• Longest Drive: Men – Jake Appleby; Women – Allie McBrayer

Sponsors played a key role in supporting the event, including:

• Major Co-Benefactors ($12,500): Service Corporation International (SCI) and The Foresight Companies
• Premier Sponsors ($5,000): Batesville, Homesteaders Life Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Precoa, Regions Funeral and Cemetery Trust and Ring Ring Marketing

Members of Team Foresight and SCI, the Classic’s Major Co-Benefactors, huddle for their team pictures. 

Foundation Highlights Impact and Celebrates 2025’s Major Donors

On Monday, October 27 at the Opening Session of the NFDA Convention, newly inducted Funeral Service Foundation Board Chair Jeff Smith highlighted the Foundation’s expanding impact through scholarships, professional development opportunities and community resources that strengthen the profession and support grieving families.

Joining Smith on stage, Fund Development Committee Chair Will Bischoff recognized the Foundation’s major donors for 2025 who pledged or contributed $100,000 or more:

• John Faulk of Service Corporation International presented a check for $217,500, bringing SCI’s incredible cumulative support to over $2.6 million dollars. 
• Alfred “A.J.” White presented a check for $100,000 on behalf of Carriage Services.
• Curtis Funk presented a check presented a check for $108,500 on behalf of Tukios.

Each representative expressed their organization’s commitment to advancing funeral service and shared why supporting the Foundation’s mission remains central to their values.

Adding to the moment of celebration, Foundation Trustee David Hernandez presented a check for $460,000 on behalf of the 82 IMPACT 1000 Founding Members and Homesteaders Life Company. IMPACT 1000, launched in April, now includes over 100 individual members who have pledged or donated $5,000, demonstrating the extraordinary dedication of the Foundation’s supporters.

Together, these major donations ensure that those who serve grieving families have the education, resources and support they need to thrive today and for generations to come.

Bob Arrington Honored with Foundation’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award; Record Scholarship Funds Raised

On the evening of October 27, more than 350 of the Foundation’s donors, trustees and volunteers attended the invitation-only Donor Reception, underwritten by Global Atlantic Financial Group for the twelfth consecutive year.

Hosted by Immediate Past Chair John Heald, more than 25 major donors were recognized, including Service Corporation International, Carriage Services, Tukios, and the collective Founding Members of IMPACT 1000. Landmark Funeral Group was also honored for their pledge of $50,000 this past year. Donors contributing $10,000 or more were recognized with ceremonial checks displayed throughout the room.

The 2025 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bob Arrington for his longstanding leadership and dedication to funeral service. Former Chairs John Heald and Mark Krause playfully donned “Dumb and Dumber” attire while leading the paddle raise in loving tribute to Arrington, honoring his longtime tradition of emceeing the paddle raise with humor and heart.

Guests responded generously, pledging more than $225,000, fully endowing the newly established Bob Arrington Scholarship, which will be awarded to students in accredited mortuary science programs beginning in 2026.

“Watching the room rise in support of the Bob Arrington Scholarship was one of those moments you don’t forget,” said John Heald, Immediate Past Chair of the Funeral Service Foundation. “Bob’s leadership has touched so many of us over the years – his generosity, humor and heart have shaped the Foundation’s spirit. That night was a perfect reflection of his legacy and the difference one person can make.”

Fundraising for this special scholarship continues. To make a donation to the Bob Arrington Scholarship, visit: FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Donate-Now-Bob-Arrington.

Foundation Recognizes 2025 Scholarship Recipients

The Funeral Service Foundation’s investment in funeral service education and professional development was highlighted at the 2025 NFDA All-Star Recognition Ceremony. This year, the Foundation awarded 22 student scholarships covering registration and accommodations to attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo.

Through its academic and professional development scholarships including the David C. Baue NFDA Professional Women’s Conference scholarships, Certified Celebrant Training, Arranger Training, the Embalming & Restorative Arts Seminar, and the national conventions hosted by NFDA, CANA, and NFDMA, the Foundation supports hundreds of individuals each year in advancing their careers and skills in funeral service. 

Pension funds and endowments have the responsibility of shepherding for safety, growth, and income their assets into a multitude of investments.  I’ve learned that most of those types of investors invest in bonds and private debt for income and stocks for short-term growth.  Some will invest up to 5% of the assets into new ventures hoping to make a better than average return on those funds while realizing that there is risk involved also.

But I’ve also learned that pension funds and endowments invest a very large percentage of their assets into what I would call “slow-growth” infrastructure that is not real liquid.  Much of this type of investment is in commercial real estate, agricultural land, cell phone towers, storage facilities, and energy production infrastructure.

While stocks and bonds of funeral service companies have been bought and sold as investments for pension and endowment funds, I’m not sure if any pension fund or endowment fund has invested in what one might call “an infrastructure investment” in Death Care.  If so, I’m trying to think of what that infrastructure would have been  — maybe a cemetery?

I think that is what makes the recent acquisition by British pension fund manager Railpin of Horizon Ceremonies Limited unusual and an interesting play on the long-term cremation and ceremony outlook.  According to this article, Railpin recently purchased Horizon, which is described as a United Kingdom-based operator and developer of crematoria from private equity company Maven Capital Partners.

Horizon operates three crematoria in Great Britain with what is described as “a strong pipeline of greenfield development sites in underserved areas across the UK, aligning with its mission to improve the experience and accessibility of cremation services nationwide”.

According to the linked article, “The business operates a B2B model, providing cremation services to funeral directors and direct cremation specialists, ensuring flexibility and choice for communities during the most sensitive times.” 

The United Kingdom historical cremation model —  What is different with cremation in the United Kingdom as compared to the United States is that crematories have traditionally been owned and operated by municipalities and not funeral directors in the UK.  Consumers would arrange their loved one’s funeral through the funeral director but then go to the municipal crematory for a service and cremation.

In essence, the crematories are owned and operated by the municipality and consumers are charged for the crematory services by funeral directors much like “cash advances” are charged for items in the United States.

Railpin is counting on the ability to build new crematoriums through private enterprise to compete with many of the aging cremation infrastructure of municipalities.   They are also counting on the increased use of Direct Cremation to build the numbers of cremation higher and higher.

Here’s what Tim Grimstone, Investment Manager at Railpin said about the Horizon investment:

“Our investment in Horizon is directly aligned with Railpen’s purpose of securing the future for our members by delivering strong, diversified investment returns while having a positive impact on the communities in which we invest. The UK is facing a clear demographic need for new, high-quality crematoria, and Horizon’s award-winning track record and commitment to sensitive, well-designed facilities positions them to meet that demand. By backing Horizon’s growth, we are investing in critical social infrastructure that will provide sustainable income streams to support our members’ pensions.” 

Related — For an idea of a British Crematorium here is a 1-minute video tour of Pure Cremation’s original facility

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  I find this development extremely interesting to our profession.  To me, I see a private company investing in “Death Care” to build-out and take-over municipal infrastructure in Great Britain.  Quite frankly, it looks like a long-term goal of Horizon, under Railpin’s ownership, is to move ceremony and cremations in Great Britain from a municipal facility to a facility that is owned by private concerns.

And, I would also add that in most instances a private company will be able to operate a more efficient and consumer friendly business than a municipality can. If they succeed in replacing municipal crematories, Horizon will bring great value to this infrastructure and Railpin pensioners.

Quite frankly, it is very much like Pure Cremation did when building their own crematory and ceremony facility to serve the London area. . . .and, if selling for $400 million dollars 10 years later is considered successful, then Pure Cremation was very successful.

What about this happening in the United States:  The crematory system is fundamentally different in the United States than it is in Great Britain which would make this type of investment questionable in the U.S.  The U.S. already has independently owned business crematories so there is no municipality crematories to replace and operate in a more efficient manner.

However, what I think is interesting is thinking about “Death Care” not in an operational business vernacular but in an “infrastructure” vernacular.  We will always have deaths and we will always need infrastructure to care for deaths.

Thinking of parts of the business as “infrastructure” rather than “business operations” may allow much more well-heeled financing into the Death Care business.  For instance, would a real estate investment trust consider building the infrastructure out for a group of “Celebration Centers” across a region or the country to be managed by an operating company?  The “Celebration Centers” could be chosen by families for celebrations, services, lunches, visitations, and the like.

Or, would that same type of real estate investment trust be interested in building out new and modern facilities for an existing funeral home operator on a lease-back type of arrangement?  I think that is possible too.

Pension funds and endowment funds would not be so focused on the annual return as they would the long-term real estate appreciation in value over time.  And, in my book, that brings a lot more potential investors to the plate in Death Care who would look for their returns in a patient fashion.

Learning about Pensions and Endowments:  When I served on the University of Minnesota Board I learned much about pension and endowment investing.  Most people don’t even realize it, but at the U of M and many other colleges, we had an Office of Investment and Banking  (OIB) — you can get a description of the U of Minnesota’s office here. 

The OIB was tasked with operating everything from our own insurance company to the endowment fund to retirement plans.  I chaired the Debt Management portion for four years and learned much about the world of big finance.  One of the things I loved to do in that position was talk, in general terms, of the investment world with our Chief Investment Officer.  Sometimes it was just fascinating to see where our money was invested. . . . . Oh, and it was public money so from time to time we had to have the discussions about fossil fuels and ESG investing (Environmental, Social, and Governmental) options.. . . .All in all, it was a great learning experience for this small-town funeral home operator.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Wreaths Across America, the non-profit organization that works with volunteers and over 4,800 cemetery locations to place wreaths on our honored veterans graves has its matching donation program in place through today where your donation can be matched by corporate companies Jersey Mike’s Subs and Norfolk Southern.  For each $17 wreath donated, Jersey Mike’s will match the donation up to a maximum of $500,000 total and Norfolk Southern will match the donation up to a maximum of $100,000 total.  The matching program ends at the end of the day today (December 3, 2024).

What started out as an act of honor to place 5,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery 30 years ago will find the organization this year placing over 3 million wreaths in honor of American military participants.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has donated over $4 million to the program over the past several years.  Here’s what Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s says of their efforts in a news release, “Jersey Mike’s franchisees across the country support the year-long mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.  I invite you to join this important Wreaths Across America initiative and make a difference.”

And, here’s what Ed Elkins, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Norfolk Southern said in this press release, “At Norfolk Southern, Veterans Day is about honoring those who have sacrificed so much, and it’s also about active support, partnership, and gratitude for their sacrifices. To us, that means continuous, year-round support through meaningful contributions and partnerships that make a difference.  For several years, Norfolk Southern has been deeply involved in supporting the mission of Wreaths Across America, and we’re proud to provide this additional assistance to champion their mission in 2024.” 

The placing of the wreaths in cemeteries will take place on Saturday, December 14.  To learn how you can find a cemetery near you and volunteer for that effort click here.

Arlington National Cemetery escort begins Saturday, December 7 — The escort from Columbia Falls, Maine, carrying wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery will travel through Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, December 14 – National Wreaths Across America Day.

The procession that will consist of at least 14 tractor-trailer loads of wreaths will be escorted by Chevrolet sponsored vehicles to transport participating Gold Star and Blue Star family members and veterans during the week-long trip. Here’s what Dan Adamcheck, Regional Director of Sales, Service, and Marketing for Chevrolet says about their efforts,  “Chevrolet and its dealers are humbled to continue to play a part in the important yearlong mission of Wreaths Across America. This annual tradition, now in its 10^th year for Chevrolet and its dealers in the Northeast Region, is something we all look forward to participating in each year.  To be able to give back to our communities and the men and women who have given so much to our country is truly an honor for Chevrolet and its employees.” 

Click here to learn more about the route and the events along the way from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery.

Click here to learn how you can donate to Wreaths Across America

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

The Funeral Service Foundation Announces New Trustees, Raises Record Funds, and Hosts Scholarship Recipients at 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo

Funeral Service Foundation Welcomes New Trustees and Elects Executive Committee for 2024-2025

24th Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic held at TPC Louisiana

On a beautiful October Sunday at TPC Louisiana, over 130 golfers gathered to kick off the 24th annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. Held annually in conjunction with the NFDA International Convention & Expo, the Foundation’s Golf Classic serves as one of the unofficial “kick-off” events for the week.

The new Major Co-Benefactors were Service Corporation International (SCI) and the Foresight Companies at the $12,500 level with new Presenting Sponsor Wilbert Group at the $10,000 level. Premier Sponsors this year were: Batesville, Homesteaders Life Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Passages International, Precoa, Regions Funeral and Cemetery Trust, and Ring Ring Marketing, who each contributed $5,000 to the event. Along with many sponsors and golfers, the event raised close to $170,000 for the Foundation’s programs and resources.

“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our sponsors, participants, and volunteers, who play a vital role in the success of this event,” stated Will Bischoff, Chair of the Fund Development Committee of the Funeral Service Foundation. “The funds raised are not only crucial for supporting funeral services, but this event also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect and enjoy time with friends across our profession.”

TPC Louisiana, a 5-star venue and designated PGA Tour stop was a perfect setting for golfers of all abilities to socialize and catch up with old friends and colleagues and meet some new ones. With a scramble format and different contests such as closest to the pin and long drive, the day’s winners included:

• 2024 Funeral Service Foundation Classic Scramble:
o 1st Place: Batesville (John Parlapiano, Jenn Parvin, Chris Trainor, Jim Tully)
o 2nd Place: NGL (Cameron Black, John Harris, David Holm, Mason Trimble)

• Closest to the Pin Contest:
o Men’s: Lance Ray
o Women’s: Michele Thiry

• Longest Drive Contest:
o Men’s Division: Beau Mothe
o Women’s Division: Daelyn Schellhaas, Leslie Smith

• Putting Contest Raffle Winner: Michael Schoedinger

• $10,000 Putting Contest Finalist: Adam Shaffer

SCI and Foresight served as the new Major Co-Benefactors of the Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. To welcome guests, John Faulk of SCI (above left) and Chris Cruger (above center) kicked off the big event with Fund Development Chair Will Bischoff. On the right, new Presenting Sponsor Wilbert stops around the turn to grab lunch mid-day.

Foundation Highlights Impact and Celebrates 2024’s Major Donors

At the NFDA’s International Convention and Expo Opening Ceremony, held on Monday, October 21, newly inducted chair of the Funeral Service Foundation’s Board of Trustees, John Heald took to the stage to share the impact of the Foundation including recent funds raised and distributed for the Foundation’s Crisis Response Fund.

Foundation Development Committee Chair, Will Bischoff joined Heald on stage to honor and recognize the generosity of the foundation’s major donors in 2024 – Homesteaders Life Company, the Tom Johnson Memorial Classic, Physicians Mutual, and Legacy.com – who have each made a pledge or contributed $100,000 in 2024.

Heald also thanked Service Corporation International’s (SCI) $212,500 contribution in 2024 and cumulative giving of more than $1.5 million to the Foundation’s mission, as well as thanked Global Atlantic and Precoa who have made a continued substantial commitment to the Foundation, along with many donors who entrust the Foundation in making a positive impact for the future of funeral service.

Tom Johnson Posthumously Awarded Foundation’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award

On the evening of October 21, more than 350 of the Foundation’s donors, along with current and past trustees and volunteers, attended the invitation-only Donor Reception, underwritten by Global Atlantic Financial Group for the eleventh straight year.

Hosted by Mark Krause, the Foundation’s Immediate Past Chair, more than 20 major donors were recognized including Homesteaders, the Tom Johnson Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, Physicians Mutual, Service Corporation International, all at the $100,000+ level. Precoa was also recognized for their pledge of $50,000 this past year. Those supporting the Foundation this past year with gifts and pledges of $10,000 or more were honored and recognized with ceremonial checks displayed throughout the room.

The evening culminated with the Foundation’s presentation of its Distinguished Service Award, given posthumously this year to Tom Johnson, founder of Prime Succession and Johnson Consulting, a former member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and founder of the Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, now called the Tom Johnson Memorial Classic. Former Foundation Trustee, Jake Johnson spoke about his father’s positive impact on funeral service as a friend and mentor to so many.

The Foundation extends it thanks to The Messenger Co. in helping to memorialize Tom during the evening with a portrait on display on stage and in printing memorial and donation cards with one of Tom’s favorite quotes: “It’s about relationships.”

Former Foundation Chair Bob Arrington then hosted the Foundation’s mission moment and paddle raise for the Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund with pledges and gifts reaching $135,000. This fully endowed academic scholarship will be presented to students in accredited mortuary science degree programs in 2025.

Fundraising for this special scholarship continues; to make a donation to the Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship please visit: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/donate-tom-johnson/.

“We are thankful and appreciative of the generous pledges and donations we received on such a special evening, this speaks to the dedication of our wonderful donors and volunteers.” said John Heald, Chair of the Foundation. “The record amount raised in memory of Tom Johnson speaks to his legacy and impact on funeral service. The future recipients of the Tom Johnson Memorial Scholarship will serve as a testament to Tom’s impact in our profession.”

The Funeral Service Foundation wishes to thank host association, the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association for its most generous gift of $10,000 that will be used for scholarships and educational support. Additionally, the Foundation thanks Funeral Services of Iowa (FSI), for their generous $10,000 contribution to the Foundation’s Crisis Response Fund, that will be used to help respond to the needs of funeral service professionals affected by man-made and natural disasters.

The Louisiana Funeral Directors Association and Funeral Service of Iowa (FSI) each made $10,000 donations to the Funeral Service Foundation at the Donor Reception.

Foundation Recognizes Scholarship Recipients

The Funeral Service Foundation’s investment in funeral service scholarships and professional development opportunities was highlighted at the 2024 All Star Recognition Ceremony held on Monday, October 21. Annually, the Foundation awards hundreds of individuals with the opportunity to attend accredited mortuary science programs throughout North America, and professional development opportunities such as NFDA’s Professional Women’s Conference, National Emerging Leaders Program and Meet the Mentors as well as the national conventions for the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, the Cremation Association of North America, and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Tim Schramm, Foundation Grants Committee Chair; honored and recognized scholarship recipients at the event. This year, the foundation awarded 24 individuals who had their registration fees and accommodations to attend the NFDA’s International Convention and Expo underwritten by the foundation, listing below. Also recognized were recipients of scholarships and the professional development programs supported by the Foundation.

The Foundation awarded 24 scholarships to the 2024 NFDA international Convention & Expo. The scholarship recipients celebrate with the Foundation team.

2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo Scholarship Recipients:

Tiffany Aguilar
Aguilar Funeral Services
Mt Vernon, TX

Anthony Brayboy
Wylie Funeral Homes, P.A.
Baltimore, MD

Eldrick Brown
Roberts Funeral Home
Birmingham, AL

Libby Brown
Johnson Brown Funeral Service
Norwood, OH

Desirae Delgado
Harrell Funeral Homes
Austin, TX

Peter Dilwith
Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary
Pearl City, HI

Myiesha Fields
Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations
Mansfield, TX

Dawn Gialet
Hainstocks Funeral Home & Crematorium-SCI Corporation International
Edmonton, AB

Brandon Griffin 

Bastrop Providence Funeral Home
Bastrop, TX

Shantelle Holts Joseph
Sid Roberts Funeral Home
Nacogdoches, TX

Peter Johnson
Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory
Pittsburgh, PA

Vincent Johnson
Greene Funeral Home
Alexandria, VA

Stephen Kemp
Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Southfield, MI

Melina Maslanka
Osceola Memory Gardens
Kissimmee, FL

Janet McGee
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Amy McMullen
DeBaun Funeral Home
Terre Haute, IN

Bethany Moscalink   

Paul G. Fink Funeral Home, Inc.
Connellsville, PA

Amber Perez
Heritage
Oak Creek, WI

Kelly Richmond
VanderLaan Funeral Home
Hudsonville, MI

Elysia Smith
Frank E. Campbell
New York, NY

Megan Smith
McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, NC

Savannah Toews
University of Northeast Texas
Mt Pleasant, TX

Linda Thrasher
F.L. Sims Funeral Home
East Point, GA

Allison Voorhess
Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors
Royal Oak, MI

LINKS:

• Funeral Service Foundation – Board Leadership Page:
https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/about/board-leadership/

• Funeral Service Foundation – Scholarship Recipients Page: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/scholarship-opportunities/our-scholarship-winners/

• Funeral Service Foundation – Executive Committee Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-25-Foundation-Executive-Committee.jpg?ver=1730902984

• Funeral Service Foundation – 2024-25 Trustees Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7.-2024-2025-Foundation-Board-of-Trustees-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – Driving Range Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-Driving-Range-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – John Faulk (SCI) Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-SCI-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – Chris Cruger (Foresight) Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-Foresight-scaled.jpg

• 2024 Golf Classic – Wilbert Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Golf-Classic-Wilbert.jpg

• Donor Reception – Jake Johnson Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Donor-Reception-Jake-Johnson.jpg

• Donor Reception – Bob Arrington Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Donor-Reception-Auctioneer-Bob-Arrington.jpg

• Donor Reception – Paddle Raise Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Donor-Reception-Paddle-Raise.jpg

• Donor Reception – LFDA Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LFDA-at-NFDA-Convention.jpg

• Donor Reception – FSI Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FSI-at-NFDA-Convention-scaled.jpeg

• 2024 NFDA International Convention & Expo Scholarship Recipients Photo: https://www.funeralservicefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-NFDA-Convention-Scholars.jpg

About the Funeral Service Foundation – FuneralServiceFoundation.org

Since 1945, the Funeral Service Foundation has served as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and has identified as the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. Donors and volunteer leaders profession-wide support the Foundation in its mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

If you ask my opinion, American borrowers have been somewhat spoiled by the low interest rates that we had had for almost the last ten years.  This article will tell you that from 2015 until into 2022 we never had Prime lending rates higher than 5.5% — and most of the that time period they were lower than 5%.  That contrasts with the incremental rate increases put in place until last month all the way up to an 8.5% Prime borrowing rate from 2022 into 2024.

The past two years interest rates have been rising causing your payments for everything from automobiles to credit card balances to be higher. . . simply because of that rate.  If you had a loan for your home or on your business that was an “adjustable rate” loan then you have seen your payments rise as that interest rate has risen.  For some people that has caused immeasurable problems with cash-flow — be it a business’ cash-flow or their personal expense cash-flow.

We’ve reached a point where the Federal Reserve Board now believes it is in the country’s best interests to begin lowering the rate (called the Federal Funds Rate) that they borrow money to banks at.  Lowering that rate in turn results in commercial banks being able to lower their rates to consumers and businesses and yet keep the “spread” that they need between the rates they pay to savers and the rates they collect from borrowers.

That “spread” is essential to banks because they have to be in a position that what they collect from borrowers is more than they pay to savers.  And, that “spread”, as well as some other fee income banks collect, is how banks pay their own business expenses and, hopefully, generate profits.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

If you are in business, rates coming down may give you some opportunity.  Let’s just say you have a $500,000 interest only monthly payment set up for your funeral home business operations.  At 8.5%, the latest Prime rate before the recent rate cut, you would pay interest totalling $42,500 per year for that financing help.  The Prime rate is at 8.0% now, but within the next 6 months there are those who think it will come down to about 7% or less. . . At 7% that adjustable rate interest only payment would be only $35,000 annually.  . so you are saving $7,500 annually by the rates moving down.. . .That’s good for your business!!

It appears that we are in a rate-cutting environment now, and could be for some time.  My suggestion would be to watch as those rates come down and if you find a rate that you are comfortable with, then lock in with a “fixed-rate” loan.  Doing so takes some of the risk out of your operations.

Quite frankly, it’s what some of the big companies do.  We reported on Service Corporation International (SCI) selling 8-year bonds at 5.75% bonds earlier this month.  In essence that gives SCI capital at a fixed cost of 5.75% paid off over the next 8 years.  Here’s the article on that decision.

The “Flip Side” of paying interest —  For banks to have money to lend, they have to have money in the first place.  And, they do that by offering savings rates to those that want to deposit money in the bank to save, or deposit for other purposes like checking accounts.  The “flip side” of interest rates coming down is that those savers, many times retired people, will see less income because of the rate drops.

I had a discussion with the pastor of my church this Spring about an upcoming fund drive appeal that the church was embarking on.  My point was, as it looked like the Federal Reserve Board would eventually lower rates, to see the retired people in our church first. . . . while their saving rates were still historically high. . . .

For instance, our last fund appeal was in 2018 and a one-year certificate of deposit was at 0.6% at our local bank.  That meant that if a retired couple had $100,000 invested in that Certificate of Deposit they would receive $600 annually in interest from the bank.  This past Spring (2024) I was able to take out Certificates of Deposit at a 5.3% rate. . . which would mean someone with that same $100,000 invested would receive $5,300 in interest instead of that $600  —  $4,700 more annually than in 2018.

The thought process that I had was that “momentum” is a big thing.  Now that we are in a Federal Reserve rate cutting environment, retirees will see their next Certificate of Deposit potentially paying less interest and may feel the need to “tighten up” their expenses and make less of a commitment to the church project.

On the other hand, I felt it was probably best to wait, on the church appeal, to see young families and those with credit financing needs — homes, cars, education — when rates started going down they might see momentum with lower payents and they may see room to breath again from the high cost of credit.  If they caught that “momentum” then maybe their gifts would be larger.

What does this mean for your funeral home?  Let’s look at Preneed. —   If I was operating a funeral home in this coming rate-cutting environment, I would probably put more of my resources than normal into Preneed development and sales.  As interest rates come down, it might be a little easier to convince older adults that preneed would be a good investment. . . especially considering that they may not be able to get the same “relative high” rate of interest from their bank when renewing a Certificate of Deposit. . . It’s just a thought I have.

One final thought, and selling point, about preneed at this time.  Preneed companies are like banks and have to be competitive to get client accounts.  As interest rates fall, as aniticpated over the next year or so, preneed insurance companies are likely to lower their “guaranteed growth rate” as well.  Another good selling point may be to tell potential preneed clients that they are catching a higher growth rate than might be expected in the future. . . That’s just another thought I have.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

There is an old saying that goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink”.  I think that the meaning of that phrase, in human terms is something like this, “You can tell a person the situation, but you cannot make them act on it”.

In my day of working at the funeral home, I owned a pre-arrangement insurance agency, I owned and operated a funeral home, and I was a licensed  insurance agent.  As I recall when I was asked by potential consumer clients to list the possible costs of their death care services, I tried not only to list them all, but even include the inclusion of money for potential unforeseen circustances of a death, such as death away from home.

And, as anybody who ever put a preneed client into this type of policy, I tried to get the amount paid in as complete as possible.  However, there are times when a client with, let’s say a potential $10,000 funeral cost would only contribute $7,500 for the account.  The agent would more than likely take that amount as it was a pretty good “start”, even though it wasn’t complete, for one paying for their death care costs. Or, as sometimes happened, the client would take care of all expenses at the funeral home and tell us that he was going to do the same at the cemetery. . . . yet, the cemetery part never got done.

Then later, when that person died, the children would come in and proclaim, “Dad has everything taken care of”.  At that time it was then appropriate to pull out the prearrangement file and show that the expected “at death” costs were $10,000, but Dad “elected” to only put away $7,500. . . or, they would realize that Dad never made any arrangements at the cemetery. . . So, no, everything was not taken care of.

If you have been in that situation, you know it is uncomfortable. . . .Uncomfortable for the children who are now looking at potentially paying “out of pocket” for expenses that they thought were taken care of and uncomfortable for the funeral director because he/she has to break this news.

It puts children in a tough dilemma. . . maybe they can lower the quality of what Dad wanted to pay the other charges or the cemetery, but in doing that many feel bad for “cheapening” what their parent wanted. . .so in most cases they find a way to pay the bills.

I recently read this article from Great Britain where two funeral directors are lamenting that “Funeral Plans” generally do not include any money for the expenses at the cemetery. . . . and in London, according to the article, cemetery costs for the plot, interment fee, and headstone can total more than the rest of the funeral costs combined.

They believe that the average preneed policy in London, which asks for earth burial, is over US$ 7,500 short of funds.  It’s an issue that funeral directors Sharon and Paul McLean, who run Integrity Funeral Care, believe needs to be addressed.

Says Paul McLean, “The most expensive part of any burial is the price of the plot and in London in particular we’re talking thousands of pounds, sometimes a five figure sum, just for that nine feet by four feet hole in the ground.  The cost of a plot and of several other burial services are rarely fully covered in funeral plans.”

McLean suggested, “. . .they (funeral plans) could also be renamed as something like ‘Funeral Contribution Plans’ to more accurately describe what they do.”

Integrity Funeral Care – London website

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  I’ve found that funeral and cemetery pre-arrangement plans can often times be confusing to differing generations of families.  However, they are very seldom confusing to the parties involved such as the funeral director/agent and preneed people setting up the account.

Both those parties seem to know and understand what they have done.  However, when the clientele eventually tells their children they usually do it by saying, “Mom and I were down to the funeral home and took care of all of our arrangements”.  Very seldom do the parents pull out the documents and explain “to what extent and with what limitations” they have pre-arranged. . . .It is simply, “we have taken care of our arrangements” and then the subject is dropped until one of the parents dies.

I don’t know why that is the case. . . but it is.  Maybe it is because when together with mom and dad and the grandkids everybody is excited about “Life” and “Death” is just a subject that we don’t want to talk about.

But, not talking about it does cause problems in the future.  There has been a lot done to try to alleviate this problem, such as the National Funeral Director’s “Have the Talk of  Lifetime” program, but the issue still remains.

In the meantime if you deal with pre-arrangements continue to be as complete and thorough as you can be.  The extra time and effort will pay off with less mis-understanding in the future.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”