Healing and Growing Through Community-Centric Giving

Originally from different parts of the country, Bob and Lisa Gfeller found each other in mid-1980s New York City. In 1988, a job offer from RJR Nabisco’s Planters & Lifesavers Company relocated them to Winston-Salem, where they decided to put down roots and raise a family.

Their philanthropic journey with The Winston-Salem Foundation began decades later, after a tragic event in their lives. Lisa recounts the heartbreaking loss of their son Matthew in 2008. “It was just a few days after Matthew’s fatal traumatic brain injury during his R.J. Reynolds High School football game when we were told that people wanted to honor his life and memory in a significant way."

A compassionate neighbor suggested the Foundation as a resource to quickly establish a fund in Matthew’s name. Donations poured in from the community and led to the creation of the Matthew Alan Gfeller Memorial Scholarship, providing scholarships to RJR High School seniors who exemplify Matthew’s spirit and passion for athletics. The Matthew Gfeller Foundation was also born, raising awareness and funding research to prevent and treat youth sports-related traumatic brain injuries through 2016. Today, this mission continues through the Matthew Gfeller Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Gfellers’ partnership with the Foundation grew over the years, as they sought guidance, resources, and connections to amplify their impact. “The Foundation gave us a catalyst to focus our efforts,” Bob emphasized. “Our Gfeller Family donor-advised fund continues to be a valuable tool for our giving. We’ve been able to quickly mobilize dollars to support efforts like the Black Philanthropy Initiative and honor loved ones through memorial gifts.”

As a member of The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem, Lisa enjoys collaborating with other passionate donors to vote on grants and learn about community issues. “I’m proud to be part of a network that supports women and girls. It’s a remarkable resource and helps me stay plugged in to needs that align with our family’s giving goals.”

“The Foundation helps us prioritize and discover new giving options, so we can get right to the act of supporting community needs."

Now that their children are grown, and they’ve become grandparents, the Gfellers see the Foundation as a vital resource for continuing their philanthropic legacy as a larger family. “Their dedicated staff always know right where the needs are,” Bob remarked. “The Foundation helps us prioritize and discover new giving options, so we can get right to the act of supporting community needs."