Thanks to the generosity of a local couple, more people in Greer will have their basic needs met and the arts and environment in Greenville County will be supported for all to enjoy. Community Foundation of Greenville is happy to announce the establishment of the Roger and Louise Ables Charitable Fund.
Roger Ables, a U.S. Army veteran who earned a Ph.D. from Clemson University and worked in trust banking, was known as a humble man who didn’t take himself too seriously. His wife, Louise Cogan Ables, taught biology and anatomy for 35 years and found joy and knowledge in books.
One thing neither took lightly was their commitment to their community. They were members of First Presbyterian Church of Greer and Louise Ables volunteered regularly at Daily Bread Ministries. Their dedication included a desire to provide ongoing financial support to organizations working to improve the lives of those in Greer and the Upstate.
The Roger and Louise Ables Charitable Fund will support arts organizations like the S.C. Governor’s School for the Performing Arts and Humanities and the Greer Soup Kitchen.Prior to their deaths in 2024 and 2025, the Ables planned a gift from their estate to endow a charitable fund which would come to about $2.1 million. Community Foundation of Greenville, which administers the fund, estimates that its annual distribution will be approximately $80,000 in perpetuity.
Gina Blohm, chief development officer, said the Ables had supported CFG’s work by contributing to its Annual Campaign since moving to the Upstate from Texas in 2013.
“In 2016, they notified us of their plans to establish an endowment fund after their lifetimes,” Blohm said. “We were pleased to learn it would support Greer Community Ministries, Daily Bread Ministries, Upstate Forever and Greenville County arts organizations.”
In a letter of instruction, the Ables suggested that the arts portion of the fund’s distribution be used to provide scholarships for local students to attend summer programs at the Fine Arts Center and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Metropolitan Arts Council was also listed as a beneficiary, along with the hope that the gift would help fund local art exhibits and noteworthy arts activities.
“It’s truly an honor to share news of this gift and for our team to carry out their wishes to support these very worthy causes forever,” Blohm said.
Martha Bennett, executive director of the Greer Soup Kitchen, said Daily Bread Ministries operates the soup kitchen and STEP, a shelter dedicated to moving families out of homelessness. She said Louise Ables volunteered as a dish washer – a tough job at a place serving 150 people daily – always with a smile.
“It’s people like the Ables and other donors who make it possible for us to continue our mission and impact our community,” she said.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
