Helping Homeless Animals Forever

For those not old enough to remember, La Femme was a striking, two-tone purple car that Lawrence Welk ordered for the "Champagne Girls" on his television show. With a purple and champagne speckled interior, the 1956 La Femme was "exclusively designed for Her Royal Highness, the American Woman." Its seats were covered with heavy plastic coating for protection, and it was sold with a matching raincoat, rain hat and umbrella that could be tucked into the back of the front seat. Of the few that were produced beyond those given to the Champagne Girls, one was owned by a local woman, who established a designated fund by bequest in 2001.

As you might imagine, the car made quite an impression to all who came into contact with her. So, too, did former La Femme owner and Community Foundation donor, Helene Marie Shincel. "She was quite a character, who loved to wear bright red outfits and had a terrific sense of humor," remembers Judy Shincel Hanf, one of Helene's nieces. "But there was a serious side to her as well. She was a very accomplished educator, who attended Smith College for undergraduate work, Yale University for a Masters in Psychology and completed a 6th year professional degree in Psychology from the University of Connecticut."

According to Judy, Helene had three loves in life: animals, her educational work with youth, and her church. Through her bequest, Helene continues to support the organizations she so loved in life: The Animal Haven, a private, no-kill animal shelter that services Greater New Haven, Smith College, and Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven.

Want to support what you love now and into the future? Email Sharon Cappetta for a confidential discussion about your estate plans and charitable giving wishes. Visit our page about bequests for sample will language to help you support the causes or nonprofits that matter most to you.