Chapter 5 - The celebration program
My mother had created a family reimbursement program ten years earlier.
Not a trust.
Not an inheritance account.
Nothing formal enough for that.
Eleanor was wealthy.
She owned a majority stake in Bennett Hospitality Group, a regional company operating boutique hotels and event venues.
She disliked chaotic family gift giving.
So her family office maintained an annual Celebration Support Program.
For children and grandchildren, it could reimburse approved family expenses for:
Birthdays.
Graduations.
Recitals.
Holiday gatherings.
School celebrations.
Certain travel.
Maximum:
$20,000 per child per year.
Not cash automatically.
Receipts required.
Sometimes the family office paid vendors directly.
My mother’s goal was simple:
“If we’re going to spend money, at least keep records.”
I barely used it.
Aubrielle’s birthday cake?
Family program paid.
Venue decor?
Program.
Photographer?
Program.
Some presents from Eleanor?
Purchased through it.
Who administered requests?
For three years:
Marietta.
Not as sole controller.
She coordinated family submissions with Eleanor’s assistant because Marietta loved parties and volunteered.
I had never questioned it.
Why would I?
Then Claire’s sentence:
“Mom gives me her cards sometimes.”
Cards connected to reimbursed gifts?
Possibly.
I called Eleanor.
She sounded tired.
“Weston, I want you to come tomorrow.”
“To the lake?”
“Yes.”
“Doctor said no visitors.”
“He said no party. You are not a party.”
“Mom.”
May you like
“I watched my granddaughter get slapped on a tablet. I am no longer resting.”
Fair.
