Legacy That Lasts: Tom and Susan Robinson's enduring commitment to community

Tom and Susan Robinson of Salisbury are working with the Community Foundation to ensure that causes important to them are supported for generations to come.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." Zechariah 4:10

Growing up in modest circumstances, Tom, in Pittsburgh, and Susan, in Salisbury, the Robinson’s learned early the value of hard work, perseverance, and helping others whenever possible.

“Dad worked side-by-side with his father in a steel mill and mom was a schoolteacher,” said Tom, who 45-years ago in Salisbury launched the now very successful and international Robinson Poultry company. “Helping people has always been what we’re about.”

Their journey with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) began, as many do, with a simple introductory seminar. Through determination, wise stewardship, and a deep commitment, they built a life of financial stability that has allowed them to generously give through CFES to the causes and communities they care about most.

“Growing up in a humble family, it’s rewarding to be able to now support those things we couldn’t support then that we remain passionate about, and to see the positive results and impact while alive,” added Susan.

Humbleness, as you’ll learn, is a theme that resonates with and is embraced by both Tom and Susan.

The Robinson’s met at church, Christ Methodist in Salisbury, and it has remained one of their true passions. Susan, through the music ministry and Tom in his technical ministry, have both remained very active at a high level. “I grew up in this church,” said Susan. “It’s been there for me for 64 years.”

So, it comes with little surprise that Christ Methodist is one of the funds in perpetuity established at the Community Foundation by the couple now celebrating 33 years of marriage.

The other three, Salisbury School, Humane Society of Wicomico County, and Community Players, each have special meaning to the Robinson’s. Tom has chaired the board of both the Community Players and the Humane Society, and their daughter, Katie, is a graduate of and Dean of Students in the Upper School at Salisbury School.

“The Community Foundation has proven to be a viable and trustworthy organization with a very effective and involved board that closely monitors not only our funds but every fund with them,” added Susan. “We feel very comfortable knowing our donations will always do what we intended.”

That trust also guided their decision to take the next step in their giving. As members of the Legacy Society, Tom and Susan have included provisions in their estate plans to continue funding each of their endowed funds. It’s a decision that reflects both careful planning and shared purpose.

“I feel comfortable and confident with the Community Foundation and will share that with anyone,” said Tom. “Their success speaks for itself, they’re well respected in the community and always upstanding.”

As are Tom and Susan themselves. Humble givers with passionate causes.

“We’ve never been showy people. We will never forget where we came from. We know we’ve been blessed and will always be grateful for that,” added Susan.

The Robinson’s say they would be happy to be simply remembered as people who supported their community.

“I know we can trust the Community Foundation to be good stewards of our money and that the funds will continue to support these causes that are important to us well past the time we are gone,” added Tom.

“It’s why we have chosen to have an impact now and a lasting impact for generations.”

Humble beginnings shaped not only their character, but the quiet, unwavering belief that success means little unless it is shared. For these two philanthropists it comes down to one simple rule Susan’s mom instilled in her from a very early age. “Treat people the way you would always hope to be treated yourself,” she closed.

To learn more about how the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore can assist you achieve your goals in perpetuity or through Legacy Giving, please contact Jess Meehan, Senior Director of Advancement at 443-975-5815 or jmeehan@cfes.org.