Who was Marie Mills...  

Marie Mills was the daughter of Lewis Hunt Mills and Barbara Schetky Mills. Marie, a very special person born with a disability, passed away in 1962 at the too early age of 13. However, her "specialness" was not because of her disability, it was because of her inspiration. Marie's family encouraged, taught and supported her in living a full life in spite of her disabilities. She learned to ride a bike, she was a Camp Fire Girl, and she had a pony. She even served tea to President Kennedy when he visited Tillamook many years ago. In many ways, Marie was well ahead of her time and because of this she taught others around her that anything was possible if one had desire and support. What Marie inspired in her family and friends during her short time among us is what benefits those with disabilities today.                       - Helen Schetky Benscheidt, Aunt of Marie Mills

Evelyn Marie Mills

  View the Story of the Marie Mills Foundation...  

View the Video: "This is For You, Marie...The Story of the Marie Mills Center"

  History of the Marie Mills Foundation...  

Marie's inspiration led to the creation of the Marie Mills Center - a program created in 1969 that has served many people with developmental disabilities over the years. Her inspiration also led to the creation of the Marie Mills Center Foundation in 2002 to benefit Marie Mills Center programs for the developmentally disabled and to assure that Marie's inspiration lives for many years to come.

  Purpose of the Foundation...  

The Marie Mills Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is separate from the Marie Mills Center. It was incorporated as a 501-C-3 Organization in August of 2002 with its sole purpose being to support Marie Mills Center programs for the developmentally disabled, enabling the Center to meet the needs of those served that otherwise could not be met, and also ensuring the future of Marie Mills Center, Inc. The Marie Mills Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors dedicated to Marie's inspiration and the needs of those with developmental disabilities.

  How You Can Help...  

Non-profit organizations, such as Marie Mills Center, need financial support to continue their work of providing housing, work opportunities, transportation and assistance with medical needs for those with developmental disabilities. By supporting the Marie Mills Foundation you will be benefiting the Marie Mills Center and sustaining its future.

People in Oregon generously donate 14 million dollars to charities annually. However, less than 10% of this amount comes from wills or estates. There are several good reasons why it is worthwhile to include a charitable gift in your will. You deserve to decide how your assets will be used. If you have not specified your wishes in a will, the state will decide for you. The government through estate taxes may collect a significant portion of your estate. Your charitable bequest supports non-profit programs and can reduce your estate's tax liability.

There are many ways you can help: Donating personal property, real estate, cash donations, or leaving a life insurance policy or investment in a charity's name.

Gifts of any kind may offer tax benefits to the donor. In considering your gift to the Marie Mills Foundation and Marie's inspiration, or any charitable organization for that matter, the most important thing is to feel good about doing it.

Contributions to the Marie Mills Foundation are tax exempt. If you are interested in finding out more about the Foundation, Marie Mills Center or to make a contribution, please contact:

Download and print out our Contribution Form (in .PDF format).