BROOKNEAL – The Board of Trustees of the Patrick Henry Boys & Girls Plantation in Brookneal announced on Wednesday, “with deep appreciation,” the receipt of the late Charles S. Shorter's estate gift of $ 183,000 for the children living in the cottage homes of the Christian ministry.

Executive Director Robert J. Day noted that Mr. Shorter's estate gift “now puts us one step closer to establishing within the next 12 months the Hope for Tomorrow counseling center in Farmville.”

In addition, Hunter Watson, a trustee and treasurer for the Patrick Henry Boys & Girls Plantation, stated that the Board of Trustees is considering plans to build a Patrick Henry family-model cottage home for girls in the Farmville area.

“Mr. Day sums up our service work clearly: to save the child going nowhere…and the child with nowhere to go,” Watson said.

In a prepared statement, Day acknowledged the homes' gratitude. “The generosity shown the children here at Patrick Henry's Plantation by Charles Shorter over the last 35 years has been, as he preferred, an unheralded story of quiet leadership based on his concern for their well-being.”

Mr. Shorter owned and successfully operated The Shorter Funeral Home in Farmville for over 48 years in his lifetime.

Watson, a Farmville businessman and former Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors Chairman, acknowledged Mr. Shorter's selfless concern and generosity. “For many years, Charles has been very generous to Patrick Henry. This bequest, following Charles' death, is something for which we are very grateful,” Watson said.

Since 1961, the Patrick Henry Boys & Girls Plantation continues to offer services to distressed children and families that will keep families together and children safe and successful.