Leonard and Diane Soucy Memorial Fund

“I often think about what a marvelous world it is – a really, really interesting, diverse, marvelous place to have visited for a short time.”

Dr. Leonard J. Soucy, Jr.
1932 – 2014

In honor of the founders of The Raptor Trust, Len Soucy (1932-2014) and Diane Soucy (1936-2020), we have established the Leonard and Diane Soucy Memorial Fund – an endowed fund to expand the educational efforts of The Raptor Trust in a way that honors Len and Diane’s lives and vision. At the core of their philosophy was a sincere belief that an understanding of the role of every creature in nature helps create a better world for us all.

The Mission

Len and Diane set a standard for excellence in wildlife rehabilitation.  While Len often took center stage, speaking in public to groups of all sizes throughout New Jersey and beyond, Diane dedicated her life to work behind the scenes.  Together, they were an inspiration to countless people, many of whom have gone on to work in the environmental field. To honor passion for and dedication to sharing the beauty, wonder and importance of his wild feathered friends, we are proud to roll out this fund.

Projects

The fund allows us to hire additional education staff to present programs in the summer months when our educators have traditionally been pulled away from education and into rehabilitation work. This will allow us to reach more people each year, as well as partner with other local environmental organizations during their summer camp program season.

New programs have been developed with the help of the Memorial Fund, especially during the recent COVID months, when all of our programming needed to be delivered virtually.

The Memorial Fund also provides scholarship opportunities for groups experiencing financial need to attend our programs at a free or reduced price.  We recognize that there are many barriers to access for environmental education, and the Memorial Fund allows us to address this issue so that any group can attend our programs, regardless or race, gender, religion or economic status.

Gifts and pledges are welcome.

Pledges may be made over three years, and all gifts are fully tax-deductible. Your donation to the Leonard and Diane Soucy Memorial Fund will help us honor our founder’s lifetime of work and build upon thier legacy of environmental education. Your consideration and support are greatly appreciated.

Help us continue to work toward
Len and Diane’s mission;
please donate today.