After over 20 years of passionate, professional, driven leadership, Charlie was ready to retire and enjoy the many outdoor activities that he loves. Thankfully though, he instead felt led to transition to the position of Gift Officer. In doing this, he guided our organization in a way that may not have been possible had he chosen to remain CEO, and certainly not possible had he chosen to simply retire and enjoy his hard-earned legacy of phenomenal Club leadership. Charlie’s concern for our organization’s financial long-term viability speaks volumes to the self-sacrificing, father-like leadership he embodied at every stage of his tenure with BGCOR. When he could have easily been out enjoying retired life, Sutton instead became a true student of Legacy Giving -- investing his time in books, articles, and training opportunities. He developed a clear philosophy: Introduce people to the high idea of philanthropic planning through relationship building and one-on-one conversations. Sutton began offering Board Members and donors opportunities to have conversations around their own personal giving goals. Sutton found that most potential Legacy Givers fundamentally want three things. First, to be associated with a cause they believe in. Second, to know how they can help in a way that aligns with their own values. Third, they want their giving to be a family affair. He truly took the time to listen to the heart, values, and concerns of the potential donor. Sutton used his conversational insights to introduce people to the many options of giving and would often leave them with one simple question: “Would you consider giving…?” Sutton’s impact didn’t stop with having those conversations. He developed partnerships with local attorneys and professional financial advisors and led BGCOR to becoming a valuable source of education in the community through Legacy and Planned Giving workshops for those who want to better understand their options. Sutton implemented a more service-oriented, values-based approach to fundraising that requires a two-way investment between the Donor and the Clubs. Charles Sutton’s vision of fiscal sustainability and decreased governmental and grant dependency is coming to fruition. His legacy in now not only one of passionate, respected organizational leadership but also one of insuring that the positive, life changing programming BGCOR consistently provides to the children and families of our community will be there for multiple generations to come. 

Charlie Sutton lives in Benton, TN where he enjoys kayaking, dancing, motorcycle riding and enjoying the outdoors. He has three daughters, one son, four grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild with whom he loves spending time.