The Gift that Gives Back: Meet Laurie

By Rachel Dragas

Philanthropy is often the gift that gives back, and Laurie Seligman reflects on the far-reaching impacts that her generosity has had on charities like Project Chimps over the years.

Laurie’s Background

Laurie was born in Toronto but moved to Connecticut when she was 5 years old. After living in the Northeast until her early 30s, Laurie moved to Texas where she started a bookkeeping and consulting firm that is still in business today. A survivor of stage 4 lung cancer, Laurie is also an avid lung cancer advocate and moved to Florida 2 years ago for access to life-saving medical care.

How did you get involved with Project Chimps?

Laurie first heard about Project Chimps from a social media post she saw on comedian Bill Maher’s feed. “I was looking for a new charity for my corporation to sponsor, and I really loved what they were doing.” A true wildlife enthusiast with an interest in primates that sparked in college, Laurie says she would’ve loved to be Jane Goodall or Dian Fossey in another life.

Laurie started supporting Project Chimps in 2017 and that same year was the first time she visited the sanctuary. “I love it there – there are woodsy and nature-looking areas and the chimps are out having fun. It’s just so peaceful.” Laurie’s favorite chimp is Loretta. “She’s a cute chimp and she’s got these big old ears.” Every year, Laurie sponsors Loretta and one new chimp. “When I found out I had cancer, I had 3 goals: to outlive my dad, to outlive my pets, and to sponsor every single chimp at the sanctuary. So, I have to stick around, I can’t go anywhere.” 

Laurie’s philanthropy

When asked about the motivation behind Laurie’s philanthropic work, she states “I’m still here and I believe it’s the right thing to do.” While Project Chimps has been Laurie’s animal charity since 2017, she has also supported national parks, healthcare, and medical foundations. Since her diagnosis, Laurie’s recent philanthropy and advocacy work has also focused on the lung cancer arena, which has been historically underfunded. “I donate to the chimps because I love them, and I donate to lung cancer because I love me.” A true testament to the gift that gives back, Laurie has always been a giver and states, “A closed wallet can’t receive money. I need to give, and when I do, I usually end up abundantly receiving.”

What is your philosophy on life and giving?

Laurie’s personal mission and philosophy on life have remained consistent throughout the years. “Give. Live your best life every day because we are all dying the moment we are born and we don’t know how many tomorrows we have. When it comes to the end, whether it’s 2 or 20 years from now, I don’t want to say ‘I wish I could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve.’’

When it comes to advice for folks who are considering including a charity like Project Chimps in their estate plans, Laurie says, “Do it and follow your passion. It gives me satisfaction knowing that this money will go towards helping these chimps continue to live a better life. It might just be a drop in a bucket, but it’s a big bucket and it needs a lot of drops.”

What do you hope for Project Chimps to accomplish in the future?

Laurie believes the chimps have put in their time and are deserving of a good retirement. As a lung cancer survivor, Laurie acknowledges the importance and oftentimes necessity of animal testing for human medicine. “If it weren’t for testing, I’d be dead. If these animals are going to be bred or used to help any kind of human cause, they should be treated well and shouldn’t have to live in fear. When it’s time for them to retire, they need to have a good life. It’s their time to live. They’ve given to us, and it’s our time to give to them.”

Laurie contemplates the long-term possibilities for Project Chimps, including the build out of the sanctuary’s second phase, and the grounds being expanded or repurposed. “The donations you make are long-term and go beyond the chimps, in my mind.” Laurie’s support has both immediate and far-reaching impacts beyond what we can see now, and she is certainly planting that seed.

Have you considered naming Project Chimps in your estate plans? Find out more today and leave a gift that gives back. Those who have already made the commitment to Project Chimps can join us for the Legacy Society Lunch happening on April 29, 2023. RSVP here!