Donor Spotlight: Glen & Viola Bennett

The Estate of Viola C. Bennett donates $1 Million to establish the Glen & Viola Bennett Designated Endowment at the Columbia Basin Foundation.

On October 5, 1926, Viola C. Hussey was born in Danvers, Massachusetts. She spent her formative years in the New England farming community, graduating from Danvers High School during World War II. Following high school, she pursued her passion for nursing and graduated from Salem State College in Salem, MA. Viola built a successful career as a registered nurse, forming lifelong friendships. Even though Viola was an East Coast girl, she moved 3000 miles from home to Washington state when she met and fell in love with Glen Bennett. They married in 1967 and created their life and business together in the Columbia Basin operating the Exxon Fuel Distributorship in Quincy. When they weren’t busy working, they cherished the breathtaking sunsets at their dream home in Trinidad. 

Once retired, they traveled across the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. At the end of their lives, Glen and Viola made a generous decision that will last forever. The Columbia Basin Foundation received a $1 Million dollar charitable gift to establish the Glen and Viola Bennett Designated Endowment that will benefit the Quincy Valley area. Two areas of interest were identified: the Quincy Senior Center and the Quincy Valley Medical Center. The Bennetts specifically wanted to assist children who have suffered from amputation in the Quincy Valley. Clearly, their extraordinary generosity will leave a lasting impact, and CBF will remain forever grateful of their amazing contribution to their community.