In 25 years of supporting Opportunity International, Governors Fred and Nancy McDougal say they’ve received more than they’ve given. Fred, founder of textbook publishing giant McDougal Littell (now Holt McDougal), first learned of Opportunity from his friend Dave K. Hardin, a former Opportunity board chair. The McDougals would later honor their friend through generous contributions to the Dave Hardin Expansion Fund, which significantly expanded Opportunity’s impact. Fred also served on the Opportunity International Board of Directors, the private fundraising committee and a brand task force that helped shape our marketing message. The McDougals have repeatedly stepped up at critical points, helping to develop boards, obtain banking licenses and expand into new countries.

“We’ve learned so much about the wider world than we could have learned otherwise,” Fred said. Having taken four previous Insight Trips, the couple brought their grandchildren to see Opportunity’s work in Colombia. Kevin, then age 11, was particularly absorbed by the experience.

“He’d sit with the Trust Group and really listen intently,” said Nancy. “At the end of the trip I asked him what impressed him most and he said, ‘They have so little and we have so much, but they’re so grateful.’ Hearing that meant everything to us.”

This article was published on page 7 of the fall 2012/winter 2013 issue of Opportunity’s Impact newsletter.