Published 2014, updated March 2024
A family legacy of generosity that began in the heart of North Carolina now extends to the mountains and the sea.
Charlie and Lucy Gaddy lived in Raleigh and were well-known for their community involvement, leadership and generous charitable giving.
Conversations with their sons Fin and Will Gaddy shone a light on an upbringing informed by involved parents who were active in their community and generous with their charitable contributions, though each with a separate style. The elder Gaddys’ approach to philanthropy certainly had an impact on the brothers.
“Kids of course learn from observing parents,” said Fin. “And I saw my parents being active in their community, and that has spurred us on.”
Will spoke of the sense of responsibility they passed down to their sons. “We were taught to be mindful of what makes a healthy community,” he said. “They definitely handed down the sense that we can make a difference.”
Charlie Gaddy was instrumental in the launch of the North Carolina Community Foundation as a founding board member who helped NCCF get established. “I would certainly describe him as one of the most influential early members of the board,” said Cherry Ballard,fromer NCCF staff member. He was outgoing and gregarious and enjoyed a high profile as a real estate developer around Wake County and Raleigh, where he served as a member of the city council.
Lucy Finch Gaddy followed in the footsteps of a long line of generous North Carolina philanthropists. She added a personal touch to this legacy by tending to the needs of the ill, dropping by with a get-well card, homemade food and her infectious good humor.
Together, the Gaddys’ interests were wide and varied. Education was a special focus, with contributions and leadership involvement supporting Ravenscroft School, William Peace University, Meredith College and Hargrave Military Academy. A special gift to Peace resulted in a meditation garden named for Mrs. Gaddy. The Lucy Finch Gaddy Garden is a beautiful spot on the campus and reflects her love of gardening and flowers.
Their sons’ giving mirrors their respective interests and, to some degree, the opposite ends of the Tar Heel state they both call home.
Fin and his wife Nancy live in Manteo, and their giving and involvement largely reflect the needs of their Outer Banks community and organizations related to tourism, the outdoors and sensible environmental conservation. “I am from Raleigh, but I now call the Outer Banks home,” he said. “In the summer we’re busting at the seams with tourists, but in winter it becomes a small, tight-knit community. Being that we’re a tourist-based economy, we lack the financial pool from which to draw on to advance and help our community,” he said. “That is why I like to give locally.”
Will lives in Asheville, where he supports a wide range of causes. He is particularly interested in sustainable agriculture, local food projects and causes that help eliminate hunger and also avidly supports organizations that promote the rights and well-being of women and children, both locally and globally.
Both of the Gaddy brothers said they will pass down the legacy of giving to their own young offspring when the time is right.
Fin remembers a lesson from his dad that he, too, plans to teach to twin sons Brown and Charles: the most generous gift is one that remains anonymous. “But the gift of anonymity is difficult in this day and time,” he said. “People love to be acknowledged.”
Will said his advice to daughter Beatrix is to “listen to your heart, and be the change you want to see in the world.”
“I want her to be thankful for the privilege she has been given to help make the world a better place,” Will said.