This gift continues Carriage’s legacy of supporting the Foundation’s work in fueling meaningful careers in funeral service.

Carriage Major Gift

Carriage Services, Inc. has supported the Foundation since 2005. In 2020, the company supported the Foundation’s annual Golf Classic and pledged a $100,000 major gift.
From l-r: Mel Payne, Jason Buchbinder, Carlos Quezada, Ben Brink, Steve Metzger, Viki Blinderman, Michael Loeffel, Shawn Phillips, and Peggy Schappaugh. Not pictured: Chris Manceaux and Paul Elliott.

Brookfield, Wis. – The Funeral Service Foundation is proud to announce a major gift pledge of $100,000 from Carriage Services, Inc. The transformational gift gives momentum to the Foundation’s mission of investing in people and programs to strengthen funeral service and lift up grieving communities.

“If we can help support transforming the industry to make it even better for the next generation, then Carriage Services wants to be involved,” said Jason Buchbinder, Director of Talent for Carriage Services, Inc. in Houston, Texas. “Fifteen years ago, we helped plant the seed for the Foundation’s endowment, and we’re honored to continue to give back.”

Carriage contributed $25,000 to the Foundation’s Hand-in-Hand Endowment in 2005. Now just shy of $10 million, the endowment, in part, allows the Foundation to award grants to mission-aligned organizations, offer community-building resources, and make education available to funeral service professionals throughout every stage of their career.

“We’re grateful to have Carriage’s continued support in a year when funeral service professionals are working harder than ever to serve families, while maintaining a meaningful work/life balance,” said Funeral Service Foundation Executive Director, Lee Wiensch, CFRE. “This gift will allow us equip even more funeral service professionals with resources and educational opportunities designed to support a fulfilling career.”

“We wish to see a bright future for our industry,” added Buchbinder. “At Carriage, we’re determined to see the men and women who make funeral service their calling wildly successful – both personally and professionally. Everyone deserves meaningful work and a meaningful life.”