The History of Gordon Elwood Foundation

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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, Gordon 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, Gordon left a surprisingly large financial estate of $9 million to benefit his beloved southern Oregon community. In his final days, Gordon 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 Gordon'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.

Download our 1999-2004 Report (4.7MB PDF) for more history about the Gordon Elwood Foundation.