The Balle Foundation was established through the estate planning of Mary Balle of Laurens after her death in 2002.

Over the past 17 years, the foundation has provided in excess of $700,000 to various entities in Laurens County that fulfill her vision for assisting others. Presbyterian College has been the recipient of Balle’s philanthropic legacy through gifts that have supported CHAMPS, the major addition to the James. H. Thomason Library and the Neville Renewed campaign.

A native of Laurens, Balle earned her undergraduate degree from Winthrop College, a master’s from New York University, and a master’s from Middlebury College. She taught school in Pennsylvania and North Carolina before returning to Laurens after a 30-year career to take care of her family. She then taught English at Greenville Technical College and Presbyterian College. For 10 years Mary owned and operated the Book Inn in Laurens, never making a profit above $5 but considering her shop service to the community.

Leni Patterson ’83, PC’s executive director of strategic initiatives, serves as the chair of the Balle Foundation and has fond memories of Mary Balle.

“As a little girl, I remember going to the Book Inn with my father on a regular basis,” she said. “Mary always took time to chat with all of her customers and carry on in-depth conversations about books or current events.”

Mary was a member of the National Education Association, Classroom Teachers’ Association, the National

Council of Teachers of English, and the Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority.

She taught in the Wesley Sunday School Class at the First United Methodist Church in Laurens for many years. She was an active member of the Wednesday Club, which established the Laurens Library, and served on the board of the Laurens County Library, as well as being an active member of the Friends of the Library.

Balle also served on the board of the Landmarks Foundation and was a member of many civic organizations. She supported almost any charitable organization that approached her. She established her own foundation to provide funding to the Laurens County community for services related to health, education, culture, arts, and other charitable causes.

“Later, as an adult, I witnessed Mary’s sage and effective leadership within the First United Methodist Church in Laurens,” Patterson said. “I found out after Mary’s death that she’d asked that I serve on her foundation’s board. It has been a great honor to have a part in sharing Mary’s legacy with so many worthwhile projects in Laurens County.

“Mary had always been a true role model for me as a woman leader who was humble, intelligent, and generous to others. I do believe she’d be proud  of how her foundation has impacted  lives in Laurens County.”