In 1983 Gene and Bonnie Hull packed up and moved from Columbus, Ohio to Bradenton. They decided that if they were going to live in the community, they were going to contribute to its wellbeing, so they offered their support to our local United Way.

In later years they helped to establish the Manatee Symphony Association, now a division of the Florida West Coast Symphony Association. Included in this group was their good friend Bob Blalock and Bob was actively involved in establishing the Manatee Community Foundation. This is how Gene and Bonnie became part of the MCF family.

After researching MCF, the Hull's became Founders and created the Gene and Bonnie Hull Fund. They also became members of the Legacy Society.  A legacy gift from their estate will enlarge their existing fund.

Through the donor advised fund, the Hulls have supported causes of interest in Manatee County. After Hurricane Charley, the Hulls supported the replenishment of Manatee County's food bank with a grant to Meals on Wheels, PLUS. ArtCenter Manatee is another local organization that has received support from the Gene and Bonnie Hull Fund. Young students that cannot afford instruction a the ArtCenter are able to participate thanks to scholarships made possible through the fund.

Gene and Bonnie were indeed giving back to the community. Sadly, Gene has passed away and after 60 years of marriage, Bonnie became the sole decision maker and much to her credit has continued, to this day, to support her interests through MCF.