Rockford Couple Prioritizes Planned Giving

Talk to Lyn and Roger Becknell for just a few minutes, and you'll feel their passion for Rockford. Roger grew up on the west side of town and graduated from Rock Valley College. Although Lyn has lived in Rockford since the 1970s, she's a native of Charleston, South Carolina.

They started Abbott Plastics, a small plastics fabricating and machining company, in 1980. Lyn said the company grew to be successful "beyond their wildest imagination," and they make it a priority to share their success with the community, including Rosecrance.

"If it's not us, who's going to do it?" Lyn said. "It's so important for us to give back. This is our community."

The Becknells are members of The 1916 Society, which honors people who have remembered Rosecrance in their wills and trusts. The name reflects the year Rosecrance was founded and gives a nod to our founders, Dr. James and Fanny Rosecrance.

The Becknells' service to Rosecrance goes back several decades. Roger is a 20-year member of Try-Beta Club, a service organization comprised of local businessmen. Try-Beta has supported Rosecrance through volunteer work, fundraising and donations since the 1970s. Roger also served on Rosecrance's board of directors.

Lyn has been a member of the Rockford Woman's Club for more than 30 years. One of the club's philanthropic projects involved Rosecrance Greendale House, a recovery home for adults and women with children. The club donated time and gifts for families.

The Becknells understand Rosecrance's work as they have seen relatives and friends struggle with substance abuse. That's why they prioritized making a planned gift that will help Rosecrance continue to help people in the future.

"Addiction is a growing problem in our society, and it's really important that we address it and the treatment work continues," Lyn said. "The more the government doesn't hold up its end of the bargain, the more places like Rosecrance depend on people like us. That's why we feel so strongly about it."