Leaders of seven Fort Dodge organizations received stunning news of the best kind recently.

They learned that their organizations received large amounts of money from the estate of Bonnie Barnett, a woman most of them never met or had even heard of.

Barnett, who died Nov. 16, 2023, at age 80, bequeathed a total of $1,337,613.15 to the groups.

Iowa Central Community College received $535,045.26. That money will be invested and will be used to create the Bonnie K. Largent Barnett Scholarships. As a result, community college students for decades to come will get vital help paying for their education thanks to the generosity of a woman who enjoyed chatting with students she met while working in the college’s cafeteria.

The Humane Society of North Central Iowa received $267,522.63 from Barnett, who was known for her love of Boston terriers.

The impact of this gift cannot be overstated, according to Rhonda Fitchett Hass, the president of the humane society’s board of directors.

“Bonnie’s gift will let us focus on making some changes that we’ve desperately needed,” she said. “We are beyond grateful for this gift.”

The Fort Dodge Public Library, YWCA, and Trinity Health Foundation each received $133,761.32.

Barnett was a regular user of the library and anyone who has worked there for more than a few months knew her. Library Director Rita Schmidt described Barnett as a “really interesting, unique, wonderful individual.”

“We are deeply moved by the generosity of Bonnie,” said Alyssa Stanek, the executive director of the Trinity Health Foundation.” Her kindness and compassion will touch the lives of countless patients and families.”

The Domestic Sexual Assault Outreach Center and Scout Troop 8 each received $66,880.66.

Barnett was known as a hard worker, with jobs at Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites, Great Western Dining Service at Iowa Central and Hy-Vee. She also cleaned houses.

In death, she shared the fruits of all that labor with her community. It is impossible to estimate how many lives will be made better by her gifts.

Her gifts should also inspire the rest of us to see what we can do to improve our community. Very few people will be able to contribute more than $1 million as Barnett did. But many will be able to donate much smaller amounts, and just as importantly, volunteer their time for projects that will help make Fort Dodge and Webster County a place we are proud to call home.

Let’s be inspired by the example of Bonnie Barnett, who worked so hard and gave so much.