May 31, 2021 | Stories
Pam and Eric Swedlund were no strangers to philanthropy. The sister and brother grew up watching their mother, Barbara Lyle, generously give and support local organizations. While Pam says her mother didn’t often speak directly about philanthropy, Barbara modeled her charitable mindset through her actions.
“My mother was always going to different fundraisers to support the causes she cared about,” said Pam Swedlund. “She would find out about a charitable event that I wouldn’t know of and off we’d go, attending those events together.”
Through Barbara’s charitable giving and community relationships, Pam learned about the Wichita Community Foundation’s mission of partnering with people to create a better community. This knowledge was helpful when Pam’s brother, Eric Swedlund, suddenly passed away in 2018. While looking for a way to honor his memory and interests, Pam saw the opportunity to embark on a donor advised fund at the Foundation.
Working with the Foundation staff, she established the Eric L. Swedlund Memorial Fund. “Through this fund, I wanted to support his love for research, aquatic ecosystems, sailing and bird conservation,” said Pam.
A year later, Barbara passed away. Pam wanted to memorialize her mother in a similar fashion, so she returned to the Foundation to open the Barbara A. Lyle Memorial Fund.
“She was an advocate for the arts and music in Wichita,” said Pam. The Wichita Symphony, Wichita Art Museum and Music Theatre Wichita were among the many organizations that Barbara supported during her lifetime. “She particularly loved the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra’s program and how it exposes young people to classical music.”
Not only will Barbara and Eric’s spirit of giving live on through these donor advised funds, but it also opens an opportunity to pass the philanthropic flame to the next generation. Pam wants to inspire her two nieces to carry on the charitable mission, just as it was instilled in her by her mother.
“I thought this was a wonderful way to teach Eric’s daughters about generosity and giving back to our community,” said Pam. “Philanthropy was important to my brother and his fund can be a way to keep them connected to their dad.”
WF serves as a partner and resource to help Pam fulfill her charitable goals. It was this established relationship and knowledge that prompted Pam to open both funds at the Foundation.
“I’ve had a great experience with the Foundation,” said Pam. She added that the help she received in planning her giving has been informed and highly responsive. “I feel like I’m a part of the Wichita community within the organization.”
