Dixie E. Wheeler believed in offering a hand up to help others achieve success.
She grew up in a small, agricultural community in upstate New York, where she saw the crippling effects of poverty as well as the power of hard work to shape brighter futures. She shaped her own future by going to college and becoming a teacher – first in New York state and later in Florida, when she moved to Broward County.
As a middle school and high school P.E. teacher who became a vice principal, Dixie taught her students how to overcome obstacles and live healthier lifestyles. Retirement from education didn’t mean Dixie was ready to stop helping. Inspired to take action in the aftermath of a hurricane, Dixie spent years working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help people overcome times of distress.
Away from work, Dixie loved sports. She played golf and was a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins and Syracuse University sports teams. Dixie also loved to travel – crisscrossing the country and taking off on cruises to see the world.
Through it all, Dixie prioritized charitable giving that made a difference in people’s lives. She was a longtime supporter of her alma mater, now known as SUNY Cortland. Later in life, she partnered with the Community Foundation of Broward to ensure that after she was gone, her support for empowering students would continue for generations to come.
By joining our Legacy Society and committing to a future estate gift to the Community Foundation, Dixie laid the groundwork for launching an endowed scholarship fund in her name. She gained peace of mind knowing that our team of experts would always be there to grow her endowed fund through careful investment, and to make sure scholarships in her name go to deserving students. Now, through her estate gift, Dixie becomes one of our Community Builders – visionaries who partner with the Community Foundation to create endowed funds of $1 million or more to fuel their philanthropy.
We are honored to safeguard and manage the Dixie E. Wheeler Scholarship Fund. With the Community Foundation as her philanthropy partner, Dixie’s endowed support will always be there to empower generations of students to achieve success.
“She was always full of life. She always did things her way. And she always made it clear that education was very, very important. She would be so happy to know that she’s still helping people.” – Cynthia Patterson, Dixie Wheeler’s niece
More About Our Community Builders
Community Builders are BOLD leaders who partner with the Community Foundation to establish endowed charitable Funds of $1 million or more to shape a brighter future for the community they love.
Through the power of endowment, the gifts from these individuals, families and local organizations fuel innovation and tackle Broward’s biggest issues today and forever.
Click here to learn more about all of our Community Builders.
How To Become A Community Builder
Thanks to the momentum of our BE BOLD Leadership Campaign, more visionary local philanthropists are stepping up to join the ranks of our Community Builders.
The BE BOLD Leadership Campaign sparks innovation, inspires new thinking and uses the power of endowment to create permanent resources that tackle Broward’s big challenges. With a one-time gift or a pledge to build your support over time, you can create an endowed charitable Fund and become a Community Builder who shapes a brighter future for Broward.
Click here to learn more about the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign.
To learn more about our Community Builders and the BE BOLD Leadership Campaign, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Kelly Marmol at kmarmol@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
