Not long after moving to Givens Estates, Will and Carlotta Jordan developed an appreciation for the community’s history. After reading Bob Terrell’s book on the history of Givens, A Dream…A Hope…A Reality, the couple realized that it would be easy to take the community for granted without knowing the significant sacrifices and commitment invested over the years.

“Givens is like a village. Current residents benefit from those who invested before us. Our community needs to continue providing and expanding its services in the future. For Givens to be viable, people have to want to live here.” 

The Jordans enjoy a quality of life that continues to validate their decision. Carlotta quickly integrated into the community, participating in numerous activities. Will still operates a business, Rainbow Coins and Collectibles, in Hendersonville most weekdays.  

The Jordans appreciate the spirit of inclusiveness that Givens fosters, especially those with limited resources. “When we read the history and learned that the community we have today did not just happen, we paused in gratitude and concluded that we needed to do something to pay our good fortune forward.”

Our plans include annual gifts to the Oxford Commons expansion and renovation fundraising effort, followed by additional unrestricted gifts in support of other capital needs. These gifts are being made from our IRA Required Minimum Distribution, which is an excellent way to give to the project. Also, we have worked with our financial advisors and have designated Givens Estates and the Southern Highland Craft Guild as major beneficiaries of our estate. We hope others will feel the same commitment.