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Dorothy Mitsuoka of Dinuba - Bequest over $2 Million

Dorothy Mitsuoka passed away in November 2008, just shy of her 76th birthday.  She had no children of her own, but the Dinuba resident was known as a woman who would take people in need under her wing.  It was just like Dorothy to ensure that others, specifically children, reaped the benefits of her labor.  

Dorothy’s first love was farming, and she was an expert bookkeeper.  Mark Gillette, President of Gillette Citrus in Dinuba, met Dorothy in 1983, and soon they were business partners.  Mark and Dorothy always remained close friends.

Dorothy wanted to help girls achieve the dream of a higher education.  Mark recalls, “Dorothy wanted to make sure that others had the chances she did not, since she always regretted not being able to go to a four-year college.”  

In planning her estate, Dorothy wanted to help children in her area realize their dreams.  Her attorney told her about the Fresno Regional Foundation and how she could set up an Endowed Fund.  Dorothy didn’t just think about this, she acted on it!  Included in her will are instructions for an Endowed Fund within the Fresno Regional Foundation to provide an everlasting source for the children she held so dear.

The variety of assets in Dorothy’s estate, including citrus orchards, will provide the principal for her Endowed Fund which will then be invested, grow over time, and distribute grants.  The Fresno Regional Foundation, through its expertise, experience, and commitment to responsible philanthropy, will ensure that Dorothy's vision is carried out in perpetuity.

The time and effort it took for Dorothy to include an endowed gift in her bequest was quick and easy.  However, those small actions will forever provide opportunities for countless Central Valley youth. 

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