OCALA – Ocalans Joan and Claude LeBel have found a creative way to support education.

They gave their home to the Central Florida Community College Foundation.

The foundation recently sold the mortgage-free home in the Hardwood Trails subdivision of Ocala and proceeds were used to create a charitable gift annuity.

The LeBels will receive an income for life and, ultimately, the foundation will receive an incredible gift.

“Claude and I both appreciate access to quality health care,” said Joan LeBel, who is vice chair of the Board of Trustees and Directors for Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital. “The educational opportunities Central Florida Community College provides are the foundation for meeting health care needs in this community we care so much about.

“Making an impact within higher education at CFCC was a perfect fit for us and the process with the foundation was seamless. It feels great to have a gift in place that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others for years to come,” she said.

Joan Stearns, vice president of Institutional Advancement for the CFCC Foundation, applauds this unique opportunity. “Both the gift of the home to the college and the subsequent sale to its new owners provide support to CFCC,” she said “Now more than ever, support for education is a great way to grow your local economy and change lives in positive ways.”

If you are interested in meeting with a foundation representative to discover unique ways you can plan for your financial security and make a difference, contact Director of Development Lisa Lombardo at 352-873-5808 or lombardl@cf.edu.