Foundation History and Background

Gordon Elwood, a lifelong native of the Rogue Valley, lived a remarkably Spartan existence. Beginning as a paper delivery boy at the age of twelve, Mr. Elwood scrimped and saved and invested the bulk of his earnings through years of labor as a fruit picker in the Valley and forty years as a television technician. After retiring, he continued his frugal lifestyle by collecting recyclable cans and bottles for their deposit value.

When he died at age seventy-nine in 1999, Mr. Elwood left a surprisingly large financial estate of $9 million to benefit his beloved southern Oregon community. In his final days, Mr. Elwood expressed his philosophy thusly:

"Everyone is put on this earth to accomplish something, and not just for their own self. Through this foundation I feel I have made my life worthwhile to others."

The Gordon Elwood Foundation is committed to fulfilling Mr. Elwood's legacy by offering a hand up to those in need. We are pleased to honor his memory in service to the southern Oregon community.