Dr. John A. Leighty’s legacy of generosity reached a noteworthy milestone with the final distributions from the John A. Leighty Family Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF). First established in 1998, the Fund has granted a total of more than $4.5 million to 40 nonprofit organizations, including Florida Southern College, United Way of Central Florida, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and Lighthouse Ministries.
“Dr. Leighty led a remarkable life,” said Callie Neslund, GWCF’s President and CEO. “We marvel at his many personal and professional accomplishments, and are inspired by his commitment to philanthropy. In addition to being one of GWCF’s first donors, Dr. Leighty has had an immeasurable impact throughout our community with more than a quarter of a century of continued giving through the John A. Leighty Family Fund.”
After a distinguished career at Eli Lilly, where he was involved with the team that first produced penicillin in the 1940s and development of other life-saving antibiotics, Dr. Leighty brought the excitement of education to young people during his time as a Chemistry instructor at Purdue University. Upon moving to Lakeland in 1976, he supported many local organizations providing food and shelter to the unhoused; free, high-quality medical care to the underserved; and educational programming for children. His commitment to those causes continued with the establishment of the John A. Leighty Family Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation. Significant examples of the impact on local nonprofit organizations include:
- Dr. Leighty’s gifts to Florida Southern College helped transform science education at the College, advancing the College’s mission of preparing students to make a positive and consequential impact on society. Some of these impacts include equipping the chemistry department with state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation, creating an endowed chair for faculty, and establishing a student scholarship. “The John A. Leighty Family Fund has done more than strengthen a program; it has shaped a generation of scientists,” said Dr. Tracey Tedder, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Dr. Leighty’s investments in people, ideas, and discovery have elevated Florida Southern’s chemistry program to national distinction and inspired students to pursue meaningful work that improves lives.”
- For more than two decades, Dr. Leighty’s Fund helped strengthen the safety net of our community through its contributions to United Way of Central Florida (UWCF)’s mission and Community Impact process. “The John A. Leighty Family Fundhas enabled United Way to not only provide emergency aid but also support long-term stability,” said Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO of UWCF. “Dr. Leighty’s legacy of service continues to bring hope and opportunity to thousands across our community.”
- For Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM), Dr. Leighty’s Fund provided a pivotal investment that helped launch the clinic, ensuring that Polk County’s working uninsured would be able to have access to free, high-quality medical care. The Fund also supported LVIM’s Swan Derby, one of Lakeland’s most beloved community “After 18 years of extraordinary giving, the impact of the John A. Leighty Family Fund endures,” said Alice Koehler, President & CEO of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine. “Thousands of healthier lives, stronger families, and a thriving community are a testament to Dr. Leighty’s enduring legacy.”
- Lighthouse Ministries benefited from Dr. Leighty’s generosity, providing valuable support that allowed the organization to increase its reach to include serving meals, and providing lodging and care to thousands of the most vulnerable in our community. “Dr. Leighty was a true partner, even in his legacy giving,” said Lighthouse President and CEO Steve Turbeville. “His philanthropic vision enabled us to treat those who were marginalized or left behind with compassion and dignity — while offering them opportunities for change and the hope of the Gospel. We’re blessed to be part of his legacy.”
These stories are but a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Dr. John A. Leighty’s generosity. GiveWell Community Foundation has been honored to steward his philanthropic vision that continues to impact our community and beyond for years to come.
