LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — October 24, 2023 — Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust has received a $100,000 gift from Brad and Mary Kay Speaks and the Speaks Foundation.
Mr. and Mrs. Speaks presented the gift during the Selected Educational Trust Reception at Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL on October 10.
“We are proud of our Selected Independent Funeral Homes heritage and have learned so much from our peers over the years,” said Brad Speaks. “The value of the association cannot be overstated. Now it’s time to give back and we are pleased to provide this unrestricted gift to the Selected Educational Trust out of gratitude and a desire to continue making a difference in funeral service.”
This gift will be invested in supporting and enhancing the Trust’s workforce development tools, to continue the important work connecting independent funeral homes with the next generation of the profession, and to provide progressive skill development training for funeral service professionals at all stages of their career.
“This is a transformational gift for the Trust,” said Stefanie Favia, Senior Director of the Trust. “We are honored by Brad and Mary Kay’s generosity and the faith that they have put in our mission and our ability to do great things that will ensure the future of the profession.”
For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia, Senior Director of Development, at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.
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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, education programs serving to bridge the gap between school and on-the-job training through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.
Pictured: Brad and Mary Kay Speaks at the Selected Educational Trust Reception in Chicago, IL on October 10, 2023.
