With a track record of good work stretching back almost 20 years, the Vermont Community Loan Fund is lucky to have many long-time supporters. But none have been more loyal or steadfast than Lilla Mclane-Bradley, who invested in the Loan Fund literally at the very beginning!

Lilla is VCLF's second-ever investor, and her 1988 investment is still working for Vermont today. "I believe in the loan fund concept," says Lilla, who celebrated her 86th birthday this summer. "If you believe at allin your community and care about it, you have to do something."

A resident of Hanover for half a century, community involvement is a way of life for Lilla. She was the first chairwoman of the Upper Valley Community Foundation, as well as chair of the Hanover and Dresden school boards. She has served on boards too numerous to name, still serves on the board of Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity, and is enthusiastically working for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, going door-to-door.

"Community involvement is a family tradition," explains Lilla, whose grandfather was governor of New Hampshire. "I've really enjoyed it and I kept on going ." When Lilla made her investment 20 years ago, VCLF's lending program was limited to affordable housing - which corresponded with her interests and beliefs. "Kids and parents deserve to have a decent home. A fundamental thing in life is a decent home."

Of her investment, Lilla explains, "What is a better idea than to invest in a good cause?" The Vermont Community Loan Fund is privileged to count Lilla McLane-Bradley among our investors and supporters. For years of unwavering support, thank you Lilla!