Faces of Philanthropy: Wendy A. Mara
Wendy A. Mara
Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Ormond Beach
Board & PGAC Member
St. Katharine Drexel Society
Attorney
I began my career in education, teaching high school Language Arts in 1993. From 1996 to 2006, I served at Father Lopez Catholic High School, where I developed a deep connection to students and our Catholic community. In 2006, I left the classroom to attend law school, beginning a new chapter in my professional journey. For the past 15 years, I have practiced law, focusing on Family Law and Elder Law, areas that allow me to serve individuals and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
It is a privilege to serve as a member of the Planned Giving Advisory Council and as a board member of The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida. My passion has always been centered on advocating for and protecting the most vulnerable. In addition to my work with the Foundation, I am honored to serve on the board for the Council on Aging of Volusia County. I also represent guardians, developmentally disabled adults, and alleged incapacitated persons in both Volusia and Flagler Counties—work that reflects my commitment to service and social responsibility.
Outside of my professional and volunteer roles, I enjoy spending time in nature and with my family. Gardening brings me peace and fulfillment, and camping at Florida and Georgia State Parks is one of our family’s favorite pastimes. I am currently pursuing my brown belt in United Martial Arts and enjoy playing the piano in my spare time.
At the heart of all I do is a focus on giving of my time, talent, and treasure to causes that speak most dearly to my heart. I believe that Our Lord has blessed us all abundantly, and sharing these blessings with others is both a calling and a way to express gratitude. The Catholic Foundation continually reinforces this belief by reminding me of the power of giving—both during our lifetime and beyond. In my work as an attorney, I often discuss with clients the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy through their estate planning. Many have not considered this possibility until our conversations, but once they do, they are inspired to create lasting benefits for the causes they care about.
Ultimately, my hope is to make a difference in the lives of others, to remind people that there are those who care deeply, and to encourage generosity that endures beyond our own lifetimes. Through the Catholic Foundation and my legal practice, I am privileged to help turn this vision into reality.
Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Wendy A. Mara:
Q: What drew you to get involved with the Catholic Foundation?
A: I was invited to become a part of the Catholic Foundation after contacting the Diocese regarding Catholic Living Wills.
Q: How does your faith guide your giving?
A: My faith guides me not only how much I give but to whom I give. My husband and I share the joys of giving with our children who donate a portion of their allowance to their favorite non-profits.
Q: What’s a Scripture verse or saint that inspires your generosity?
A: Matthew 25:35-40. Whenever I give of my time, talent, and treasure, I remind myself that I am giving to Jesus.
Q: Who taught you about giving or stewardship?
A: My first recollection when I was a child was going to Mass with my Great Aunt Evie, and she would give me change to put in the basket. She explained that I was giving to God. I don’t think she ever realized the impact she had on my faith.
Q: What was the first charitable gift you remember making?
A: I don’t recall the first charitable gift, but I recall the most impactful. My husband and I gave to a family whose husband had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Giving to someone you actually know who is in need is such an impactful experience.
Q: Have you ever received generosity in a way that impacted your life?
A: I had so many people who were incredibly generous when I was going through a very difficult time in my life. I was so overwhelmed by the love and caring of my family and friends who anticipated my needs.
Q: What message would you give to someone just beginning their giving journey?
A: When you give of your time, talent, and treasure, you receive more than the people to whom you are giving.
Q: What’s one misconception people often have about planned giving?
A: Many people think they must be wealthy.
Q: How does working with a mission-driven organization like The Catholic Foundation influence your approach?
A: The Catholic Foundation provides many ways to give and provides a way to give that is in line with Catholic teaching.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting to think about their legacy?
A: Spend some time praying and really focusing on what is really important to you and what impact you want to leave behind.
Q: Can you share a simple planned giving tool or strategy more people should know about?
A: Donor Advised Funds are a simple and very effective way to give.
Q: What excites you most about the Foundation’s work?
A: I love that the Foundation provides me with opportunities such as the Wine and Wills and other presentations to share my faith while providing legal advice about ways to protect individuals, their families, and their assets while making an impact on others.
Q: Is there a program or initiative that’s especially meaningful to you?
A: I love the Wine and Wills as it is a free event that allows individuals to engage in estate planning at an enjoyable event.
Q: What impact have you seen or experienced through Foundation-supported programs?
A: At the Wine and Wills, I have assisted individuals with their estate planning who otherwise may not have taken care of their estate planning needs.
Q: How do you hope the PGAC will contribute to the Foundation’s mission?
A: I am hoping that PGAC will educate more people about the Catholic Foundation and the opportunities to give that the Catholic Foundation offers.
Click here to learn more about the Catholic Foundation Board.