Jamie & Michelle McAdam Fund

Jamie McAdam and his wife Michelle knew for some time that they wanted their legacy to include support for charities and had been looking at various national nonprofit organizations to include in their will. Then their estate attorney asked if they had considered giving locally. “That money would have a much bigger impact,” the McAdams recalled their attorney saying. 

That hit home for Jamie McAdam.  He had become involved in the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven through his good friend Barbara Chesler, then serving as executive director.  McAdam was the owner of F. J. Dahill Co., a fourth-generation family roofing and restoration business.  When the Club’s roof was leaking, Chesler asked McAdam if he would fix it, which then led to more pro bono repairs.  McAdam and “his guys” loved going to the Club and seeing the kids, and it wasn’t long before McAdam was asked to chair the Boys and Girls Club board of directors.   

“I got to see firsthand what the Boys and Girls Club does and how much summer camp and after school care means to the kids and their families. I decided this would be my charity,” said McAdam. 

Originally, the McAdams had made philanthropic provisions in their will through the trust department of a local bank.  A subsequent attorney, however, recommended The Community Foundation to invest and distribute and grant the funds.  The McAdams liked the idea of an endowed fund that would support their causes forever.  If the Boys and Girls Club, or any other of their designated organizations, ceased to exist, The Community Foundation would grant the funds to other charities doing similar work.  The McAdams also set up a Donor Advised Fund at the Foundation so they could begin supporting their favorite organizations now. 

McAdam sold F. J. Dahill three years ago after working for and running the company for 49 years.  He is proud of what he built, evidenced by long-time customers, and quality work throughout the New Haven area.  When he decided to sell, it was to his vice president whom he trusted to carry on his legacy. 

In that same spirit, McAdam trusts the Foundation to carry out his intentions.   

“More people should know about The Community Foundation.  You don’t have to have huge amounts of wealth to make an impact.  I love The Foundation and the people there.  I know that our money will be in a safe place and The Community Foundation will do the right thing.”