Jay Wopperer and Linda Schmieder-Wopperer

Cultivating a meaningful legacy

Jay Wopperer and Linda Schmieder-Wopperer feel a keen sense of responsibility when it comes to giving back. “We want to leave something for the next generation of Western New Yorkers,” said Linda.

Both Jay and Linda grew up in Western New York. Jay was drafted by the U.S. Army right out of high school. He returned to Amherst after he served in the Vietnam War to work alongside his parents in their hotel and restaurant supply business.

Linda, the daughter of German immigrants, followed her passion for nursing to a rewarding career in healthcare. A genealogy aficionado, she also became an avid traveler, which opened her eyes to the diversity of people around the world.

The two first met in the 1980s and developed a decades-long friendship that eventually blossomed
into more, and the two married in 2021.

The Wopperers became members of the Community Foundation’s Legacy Society, created to acknowledge individuals who have committed to supporting the community in the future through
a planned gift.

Combining Jay’s love of the outdoors and Linda’s passion for history, reading and culture, their fund will support organizations and causes most meaningful to them, including the environment and arts and culture.

Jay and Linda continue to expand their relationship with the Community Foundation and opened a client advised fund in 2024, which allows them to actively carry out their philanthropic endeavors now.

The Wopperers appreciate the learning opportunities the Community Foundation provides to clients, such as the annual Impact Bus Tour, which illustrates how it facilitates long-term transformative change in our region through its leadership work.

Additionally, the Wopperers value the trust they have in the Community Foundation.

“It’s good to know the Community Foundation is going to manage our fund beyond our lifetimes and continue to carry out our charitable wishes in a way that we want it to be continued.” – Jay Wopperer