Juliette Gordon Low Society

The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.

– Juliette Gordon Low, Founder, Girl Scouts of the USA

The Juliette Gordon Low Society is a very special group of friends who share their legacy to create a brighter future by investing in girls, who will change the world.

You become part of this distinguished group when you leave a gift in your will, trust, or other account for Girl Scouts of Orange County.

Benefits for Members of the Juliette Gordon Low Society

As a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society, you will receive:

Recognition as a member of the Society in our Annual Report, on our Donor Wall, and on the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Planned Giving webpage
A special pinning ceremony, welcoming you into the Society
Invitations to Girl Scout hosted special events, both locally and with GSUSA
Updates about the work of Girl Scouts, nationally and in your community
Enjoyment and fulfillment in knowing your gift will help keep Girl Scouting, the preeminent leadership development experience for girls, alive for future generations

Planned gifts make an important and substantial difference in our council’s income, and often are game-changing in program delivery, facility upgrades, and reaching new girls. An estate gift is transformational, sharing with others the value you place on giving all girls the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.

There are many ways through which you can make a planned gift.

View our Juliette Gordon Low Society Members to date.

Examples of Planned Giving

Your will or trust
Beneficiary designation
Gifts that reduce your taxes, such as real estate, life insurance, securities, or savings bonds
Gifts that pay you income, such as a charitable gift annuity
Gifts that make an impact now, such as a donor advised fund, IRA Charitable Rollover, securities, real estate, property, cash, or tribute/memorial gift.

To learn more, please contact Barbara Powers, Major Gifts Officer, at bpowers@girlscoutsoc.org or 949/461-8814 (office) or 949/525-8775 (cell).

The easiest way to ensure that your love and legacy of Girl Scouts lives on is to include Girl Scouts of Orange County in your will or trust or as a beneficiary of your assets.

Tips for Drawing Up a Bequest: The following language may help you and your attorney when drawing up a bequest that meets your needs.

“I give to Girl Scouts of Orange County, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 9500 Toledo Way, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618, or its successor thereto, ______________* [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

* If you are interested in supporting a specific project or program, it is best to discuss your plans with our planned giving professionals before completing your bequest language to confirm Girl Scouts can meet your wishes.

Please note: The policies of Girl Scouts of the USA do not allow Girl Scouts or its representatives to serve as personal representative, executor, trustee, or witness for a will or trust.

Legal name: Girl Scouts Orange County
Address: 9500 Toledo Way, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618

Federal Tax ID number: 95-2023244

We encourage you to consult an estate-planning attorney before deciding about your estate plan.
Gifts That Pay You Income: Income for life, lower taxes, and the influencing girl-leaders throughout the country. That is what happens when you create a legacy gift through a charitable gift annuity.

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Learn more about our Juliette Gordon Low Society Donors

Lissa “Flicker” Alfred: Lissa “Flicker” Alfred has a passion for sparking confidence in girls. Famous for her musical inspiration throughout the Girl Scout community, Flicker has extended her legacy by including both Girl Scouts of Orange County and Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles in her estate plans.

The impact of Flicker—whose camp name comes from the song Flicker of the Campfire—is felt across the nation and internationally. She has led Girl Scouts in song and sisterhood at camp, songfests, singalongs, and song shares, from Our Cabana in Mexico to PAX Lodge in the United Kingdom. With a guitar strapped to her hip, Flicker has created music and memories for Girl Scouts from Sangam in India to Our Chalet in Switzerland, and even a GSUSA Destinations Trip to the Galapagos Islands.

Flicker joined Girl Scouts of Orange County in college, working at Camp Scherman as a leader in aquatics, primitive camping, and guitar/singing programs. For over 50 years she has performed with troops and taught hundreds of Girl Scout Leaders at Southern California’s Song Share. In 2012, she sang at the Girl Scouts’ National Convention in Houston, TX and joined thousands of troops across the US at Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary events. At Girl Scouts’ 2015 National Convention in Salt Lake City, UT, she led song workshops and was the emcee and song leader for the Singing After Dark program. Flicker joined the Troubadour song leaders at Girl Scouts’ 2017 National Convention in Columbus, OH, performing in the Hall of Experiences & Singing After Dark workshops. She also joined the 2018 and 2019 Songfest Jamboree staff, teaching guitar to Girl Scouts of all age levels.

Now retired as a middle school teacher, Flicker is traveling the country, teaching songs and guitar to Girl Scouts to keep music and traditions alive and inspire upcoming generations to be their best. Says Flicker, “A teacher effects eternity. She never knows where her influence stops. I believe in Girl Power. Our girls gain so much through the Girl Scout program. That is why I do what I do and continue to give. I see the ripple effect of our work as leaders.”

In addition to teaching guitar and song workshops, Flicker serves as an event photographer for Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. She is also the National Coordinator of the Friendship Knot Club, comprised of over 100 Girl Scout Leaders and girl members who send cards and friendship knots to Girl Scout families for both celebrations or members needing some Girl Scout TLC during family medical issues or end of life events.

To learn more about how you can join dedicated women like “Flicker” in carrying on the traditions and impact of Girl Scouts as a Juliette Gordon Low Society member, please contact Barbara Powers, Major Gifts Officer at Girl Scouts of Orange County, at bpowers@girlscoutsoc.org.
Sharon Z Barry: The founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, long ago claimed that, “ The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Without a doubt, one of those makers is our own Sharon Z. Barry, whom we are recognizing this year for 60 years of extraordinary service to Girl Scouts of Orange County.

Sharon was born in the Philippines and grew up in both the Philippines and Cuba with her family, where her father worked for International Harvester Company. When she came to the United States in 1938, Sharon joined Girl Scouts and went on to earn its highest award for girls, the First Class Award (now called the Girl Scout Gold Award). The lifelong friendships and leadership skills Sharon learned in Girl Scouts gave her the courage and confidence to dream big and live her best life. So when Sharon’s daughter joined Girl Scouts, of course Sharon stepped up to be a Troop Leader. Like her mom, Sharon’s daughter also earned Girl Scouts’ highest award.

Sharon has achieved numerous accolades through the years. She was recognized with the esteemed Thanks Badge in 1992 and Thanks II Badge in 1998, and has also been the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer, Gold Owl Award and Gold Key Award. Sharon has held volunteer roles as a Service Unit Leader in Huntington Beach, Service Unit Manager, and ran the Holiday Craft Workshop for 24 years and the Backyard Cooking Event for nine years – both of which were a big hit. Among her many fond memories of Girl Scouts, Sharon shares – “My favorite part of my volunteer experience has been the opportunities I’ve had to inspire other women to help change girls’ lives through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.”

As a member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society, Sharon will leave a continued legacy of her passion for Girl Scouts through an estate gift. Sharon invites you to join her and many other change-makers in demonstrating your commitment to building resilient girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place, by including Girl Scouts of Orange County in your will or trust. To learn about the many ways you can make a planned gift, please reach out to Barbara Powers, VP of Fund Development, at bpowers@girlscoutsoc.org or 949-525-8775.

Congratulations Sharon on 60 amazing years of service to Girl Scouts of Orange County! On behalf of our nearly 33,000 members of Girls Scouts of County, we applaud your countless contributions to Girl Scouting through the years and your relentless commitment to preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership.
Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder: When Dianne Belk was 5 years old, her rural Mississippi family couldn’t afford the $1 annual dues for a Girl Scout membership. She and her mother came up with a plan to sell the eggs from one of their chickens to pay her dues.

As her Girl Scout participation grew, so did the expenses. Dianne recalls saying to her mother, “Mama, I need another chicken!” Dianne went on to earn the Gold Award – the highest award in Girl Scouts – and she became a Girl Scout for life.

Dianne notes, “My husband, Lawrence Calder, and I have lived, worked, and volunteered in many councils. As Girl Scout donors, we had been making annual gifts, buying cookies, and attending annual events. When we considered our wills and estate documents, we realized that the question for us as long time donor and supporters, wasn’t – Why would we leave a legacy gift to Girl Scouts? The question was simply – Why wouldn’t we?’”

In 2012, Dianne was named the Founding Chair of the Juliette Gordon Low Society, which honors those who chose to remember Girl Scouts in their wills and estate plans. “When Lawrence and I decided to leave a gift in our wills to Girl Scouts, we learned that most Girl Scout councils were not actively promoting planned giving as a way for annual donors, volunteers and alums to show support of Girl Scouts. Since then, we have been eager to spread the word to let all our supporters know that they, too, can leave a meaningful gift to Girl Scouts.” Under her leadership, membership in the society has grown from 342 to over 4700 nationwide.

Dianne and Lawrence frequently advocate for planned giving throughout the Girl Scout Movement – both virtually and at councils and conventions. They are often asked why and in response, Dianne shares the impact that Girl Scouts had on her life; “As a farm girl from very limited means and even fewer options, Girl Scouts was my ticket to exploring the world’s opportunities. One memorable exploration was a trip down the Mississippi River on an old steamboat with 500 Girl Scouts from the Mississippi/Arkansas/Tennessee area. So many “firsts”—all of them made even more special by the camaraderie with Girl Scout sisters. I was forever changed.”

Memories like these remind Dianne that she owes much of her success in life to her 12 years in Girl Scouts and its impact on her goals, values, and character.

In 2017, this concept of giving back and leaving a legacy for future generations turned into a thoughtful and inspiring plan with the announcement of the Dianne Belk and Lawrence Calder Girl Scout Movement-wide Planned Giving Challenge. This ground-breaking challenge inspired 834 new planned gifts that benefit Girl Scouts across the country, with a total impact exceeding $30 million. Dianne and Lawrence made irrevocable gifts to each of the 102 councils that met the challenge.

In 2019, in addition to naming Dianne an Honorary Trustee, Girl Scouts of the USA Board of Directors created a new and prestigious Visionary Award to honor forward-thinking individuals who have engaged with Girl Scout donors, volunteers, and staff in new and profoundly meaningful ways, resulting in significantly strengthening the Girl Scout Movement. Girl Scouts National President presented the inaugural Visionary Award to during the 2020 National Council Session.

“Dianne’s vision and the impact of the decades of her extraordinary service and dedication to the Girl Scout mission inspired the creation of this award. To honor her legacy, the award will be named the ‘Dianne Belk Visionary Award.’”

Dianne’s message to Girl Scout supporters all over the world is: “My husband and I invite all Girl Scout supporters to join us in the Juliette Gordon Low Society as donors to this vital and demonstrably effective organization. And when you do, we encourage you to tell your council or Girl Scouts of the USA about your intent so we can thank you and honor you!”
Ann A. Crane: With a heart of gold and a talent in culinary arts, Ann A. Crane is whipping up inspiration daily as a Juliette Gordon Low Society Member! Ann, a life-long Girl Scout, earned the First Class Award, and is now recognized as a Gold Award Girl Scout!

A huge believer in Girl Scouts and the Gold Award program, Ann has served as a Board Member, Committee Member on multiple committees, and is a current Gold Award Trainer and Interviewer. Ann makes time to help girls gain leadership skills and earn their Gold Award, providing mentorship and guidance on their service journey. Over her years serving, Ann has received the Thanks I and Thanks II Awards, as well as the Volunteer of Excellence award.

"I feel a real commitment to help all girls rise, take risks, grow and become leaders in the world. Girl Scouts of Orange County provides that opportunity for our girls here in the OC, and I am honored to support their efforts to create our future leaders."

Ann advocates for all girls and women, not only through Girl Scouts, but through past service on the board for Human Options to break the cycle of domestic violence. Professionally, Ann teaches Culinary Arts and Hospitality at the Orange County School of the Arts, lending her passion to help youth find their passion and place in the field of hospitality.

"Girl Scout camp played a huge role in my life. And while those memories and experiences are not quite as crystal clear, the feeling of contentment, campfire singing, being in nature, working with my peers and looking up to the older women who became my role models is still there. I stepped away from one group for decades, but was brought back in recently by a friend, and it was as though I had never left. Sure, we're grayer and have more wrinkles, but we are the same warm-hearted supportive, caring women we were back then. We're retired or retiring, and still making time for Girl Scouts. Still giving back to the camp we loved, we are creating new memories with the younger girls and older women who will follow us."

In her business career, Ann has been a Girl Scout camp cook, line cook, manager and vice president of restaurant operations. In purchasing Meyerhof’s Catering, Ann found that she thrived as a small business owner. She wore many hats and was intimately involved in sales, recipe development, marketing, staff training, customer relations and more. After selling Meyerhof’s in 2012, she took a year off, and then decided to give back by teaching Culinary and Hospitality at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA).

Matching food and beverage, coming up with fun things to do with food, and talking about all of it -- well, those are her passions! Ann also leads the way through philanthropy and volunteering, and paired up with mixologist Joe G. to entertain Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Promise Circle and Juliette Gordon Low Society Members (she is a member of both groups) at a March 2021 virtual event. Ann created home-made marshmallows, Mexican Hot Chocolate Bombs, and some fun recipes to pair with Girl Scout cookie inspired cocktails created by Joe G. It was like having our own Girl Scout Food Network show with goodies delivered to guests.

Ann is open to new ideas and willing to share everything. Well - everything except the recipe to her Chocolate Cookie Monsters.

To join Ann in investing in girls who will change the world, click here to discover how you can become a Juliette Gordon Low Society member by including Girl Scouts of Orange County in your philanthropic plans.
Molly Jolly: In 2017, Dianne Belk, founding chair of Girl Scouts’ Juliette Gordon Low Society, and Lawrence Calder challenged participants at Girl Scouts’ National Convention in Columbus, Ohio to join them as Juliette Gordon Low Society members (those who commit to leaving a legacy by including Girl Scouts in their estate plan). Molly Jolly, Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Board Chair and proud alum who has earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, answered the call and joined that day.

“It was an easy decision,” shared Molly. “I am a proud Girl Scout alum, and I believe my spirit and character were profoundly shaped by the experiences I received by growing up as a Girl Scout. I learned about leadership, teamwork, and decision making-- and developed respect for myself and others, my community, and my country. I particularly enjoyed earning badges. I took pride in every one I earned. They were a visible reminder of my accomplishments. And while my initial goal was to proudly display a fully decorated sash, I quickly discovered that Girl Scouts had a far bigger impact on my life. I developed lifelong leadership skills, like goal setting and critical thinking.”

“Because of Girl Scouts, I learned I could do anything and be anything -- but I had to be willing to do the work and take risks. When I found myself scared to speak in front of a group or climb that mountain, my troop and my leaders gave me the support I needed to try. I am forever indebted to my troop leaders, Mrs. Nevers and my Mother, who kept me engaged and inspired through Girl Scouts.”

By making a gift to Girl Scouts through the Juliette Gordon Low Society, Molly is a champion to girls, just like her Mom and Mrs. Nevers were to her. “I know I am leaving a legacy by investing in girls, who will change the world.”

Today, Molly serves as the Chair of Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Board of Directors and professionally as Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration for Angels Baseball. She was able to combine her education in accounting and business with her passion for sports to achieve her dream job. And while the path to her current career was not easy, Girl Scouts gave her the courage, confidence, and resiliency to achieve any goal she set for herself.

“I am deeply grateful to Girl Scouts for giving me so many opportunities to build lifelong leadership skills. If Girl Scouts made a difference in your life, like it did mine, I hope you will review your estate plans and the legacy you choose to leave. By becoming a Juliette Gordon Low Society member, I know my support will help build our future female leaders and ensure that every girl, regardless of her circumstances, has the opportunity to dream big and do bigger.”

Molly was recently profiled in the September issue of Orange Coast Magazine, among 35 Kickass Women in O.C.
Nancy and Scott Nygren: Driven by a lifelong passion to help girls “see what they can be,” former CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County (GSOC) Nancy Nygren and her husband Scott continue their quest to champion girl ambition through their estate pledge to Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Juliette Gordon Low Society.

Nancy attributes her love of adventure and being a lifelong learner to her days as a Girl Scout growing up in Florida. The experiences she enjoyed and skills she gained played a pivotal role in her career and leadership journey through the aerospace and nonprofit sectors. Throughout her life, Nancy has had a strong affinity for helping girls and women live their best life.

As CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County from 2005 through 2017, Nancy saw firsthand the dramatic impact Girl Scouts has on girls’ lives. “Watching girls grow from Daisies to Ambassadors and take on amazing Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects; seeing them become wiser through financial literacy workshops and badges; and watching that ‘aha’ moment as girls discover STEM, has been immensely rewarding. Girl Scouts provides an incredible breadth of unique experiences that have a lifelong impact on girls as they become strong, successful, independent women,” says Nancy.

A “STEM Girl” herself, Nancy shares that one of her proudest moments is the 2017 opening of the Argyros Girl Scout Leadership Center in Newport Beach, a first-of-its-kind leadership venue where girls enjoy the waterfront surroundings while they explore careers, the role STEM plays in them, and learn to take action to create sustainable solutions to community issues through GSOC’s signature INSPIRE program.

For Nancy, enjoying retirement means remaining active and continuing to give back. She paints in watercolors, enjoys running and walking, and is currently writing a book, The Adventures of Jamocha, about her beloved chocolate Labrador. Nancy is also trying out volunteer activities, looking for something that speaks to her as Girl Scouts did. Her husband Scott has a passion for flying and, until recently, owned a Bonanza V-tail airplane. Today, he keeps busy golfing, practicing golf, and watching golf on TV, leading Scott to recently break 80, a very good thing! The two have been enjoying touring California and are looking forward to a five-day biking excursion in France this fall.

Scott and Nancy’s aspiration is that every girl experience the lifelong benefits that Girl Scouts provides. They joined the Juliette Gordon Low Society so that their last gift memorializes their commitment to ensure that Girl Scouts’ time-tested, research-backed programs are available for future generations of girls.
Nella Webster O'Grady: Innovative, authentic, philanthropic, and visionary. A member of Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Board of Directors since 2014, Nella’s strategic and fiduciary contributions have been nothing short of remarkable. Her support has spanned many roles, including Chair of the Friends of the Girl Scout Trust, major donor to the Argyros Girl Scout Leadership Center, Committee Chair and Former Honoree of Celebrate Leadership, and member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society. Nella’s support extends beyond Girl Scouts to many nonprofits across Orange County, which led the Association of Fundraising Professional’s National Philanthropy Day to recognize her as its esteemed Outstanding Philanthropist in 2020.

Nella’s passion for Girl Scouts began with her mother, who was her troop leader in Panama and Guam, where she grew up. Nella saw firsthand how Girl Scouts helped girls develop self-esteem and leadership skills. Her father too had a huge impact on her life. During the Vietnam War, she recalls him hooking up a Ham radio to help soldiers at the naval hospital in Guam reach their loved ones.

“My parents were not wealthy, but through their actions I learned it was important to share what you have with those who don’t,” says Nella. “That’s why I am so proud to support Girl Scouts for the long-term with a planned gift.”

In addition to her philanthropic work, Nella balances life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many—all roles she cares for deeply
Jill Patterson: Juliette Gordon Low Society Spotlight – Jill Patterson

What does the world need now? Ask Girl Scouts of Orange County volunteer Jill Patterson, and she will tell you – Girl Scouts!

"I believe deeply in the Girl Scout movement, one that offers all girls opportunities to learn new skills, try new activities, and give back to the community. In new leader orientations, I stress that the Girl Scout Law is not just words. It is a model to live by for girls and their leaders. Girl Scouts make the world a better place for everyone.”

Jill believes in Girl Scouts so much that she has included Girl Scouts of Orange County in her bequest plans, making her a member of Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Juliette Gordon Low Society.

“I was never a Girl Scout, but I felt it was important for my daughter to be involved in an organization that focused on character, service, and opportunity, and registered her as soon as a troop was available. When my daughter was in third grade, I became a troop leader and continued as leader and co-leader until all the girls graduated high school. It was an incredible learning experience, and I am so proud of what my girls accomplished.”

One of Jill’s best memories was being a delegate for the 2017 National Girl Scout Convention in Columbus, Ohio. She was thrilled to see Girl Scout government in action as delegates debated and voted on policies. “The Hall of Experiences was incredible, and knowing that the conference was girl-planned and girl-run, with one of the girls being from Girl Scouts of Orange County, was exhilarating. Additionally, one of the National Gold Award Girl Scouts that year was a Girl Scout from Orange County whom I knew!”

Jill’s service spans many areas, from serving as the Brea Service Unit (SU) Manager for 10 years, being a SU Level Consultant, SU Fall Product Sales Manager for both Brea and La Habra, and volunteering at GSOC’s Brea Day Camp since 2001. She has been a Council trainer for New Leader Orientation since 2004 and has trained hundreds of new leaders.

Jill loves being with the girls and currently serves on the STEM Expo, Hiking, and Day of Service Committees. “I love taking girls on hikes and giving them the opportunity to try something new. I can hardly wait to take them out hiking again! Along with a great team, we just offered Brownie Girl Scouts a pottery workshop where they earned the Potter Badge. I am very proud of how quickly GSOC pivoted to offer virtual programs during this COVID-19 pandemic time.”

Girl Scouts of Orange County deeply appreciates Jill’s long-standing commitment and has honored Jill with the Girl Scout Spotlight Award, Honor Award, Thanks I Badge, and OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Thank you Jill for your passion and dedication to sharing the Girl Scout mission with others.

To learn more about how you can leave your legacy as a Girl Scout advocate, please contact Barbara Powers, VP of Fund Development at bpowers@girlscoutsoc.org or call 949-525-8775.
Ethel Watts: Ethel Watts was a trailblazer, visionary, and brightly shining star to all who knew her. Now, upon her passing, Ethel’s passion for learning and adventure – her light – will live on through a transformative legacy gift she left to Girl Scouts of Orange County as part of her estate.

With multiple degrees in physics and math, Ethel led a highly successful career researching atomic energy, analyzing inorganic crystalline materials, and working at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Houston Control Center, and Cape Canaveral. While Ethel did not have children of her own, she volunteered extensively in Girl Scouts’ Huntington Beach Service Unit. Friends fondly remember how much Ethel loved camping with troops, teaching girls how to make telescopes to explore the sky, and sharing her professional experiences to inspire their dreams.

Ethel’s generosity enables Girl Scouts of Orange County to launch a $1 million Camp Scherman Revitalization Campaign so other Girl Scout advocates can have a lasting impact on our awardwinning 700-acre camp in the San Jacinto mountains. Through the campaign, the camp will be revitalized with a new zipline, renovation of the Stahr Amphitheater, and, in an homage to Ethel’s love of space, an added telescope to nurture nighttime stargazing.

Girl Scouts of Orange County is eternally grateful to Ethel Watts for inspiring and mentoring so many Girl Scouts, and for the future her generosity helps to build.

If you are interested in leaving your legacy as a Girl Scout or would like more information about transforming Camp Scherman for this and future generations, please contact Barbara Powers, VP of Fund Development, at bpowers@girlscoutsoc.org or 949-461-8814.