Changing Lives by Leaving a Legacy

No one had to ask Dorothy (Dottie) L. Haramis to become involved with CDR. When Dottie and her husband, Andy, retired to Williamsburg in the mid-1990s, she did her own research on charitable causes. Dottie selected CDR as an organization she wanted to help based on its reputation for successfully assisting babies, young children, and their families.

A native of Michigan and a member of Central Michigan University’s class of 1951, Dottie devoted her career to providing therapy and/or classroom instruction around the world. Having worked as a speech therapist, a teacher, and a principal, she retired as Director of Special Education Services of Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Dottie served on the CDR board of directors. She drove many CDR clients to their appointments when it was difficult for them to arrange transportation. She knew how hard and expensive it was for clients to find taxi rides and often medical transportation was unavailable.

To support the CDR Auction, Dottie recruited friends to provide baked goods. After Andy’s death and her move to the Williamsburg Landing, Dottie maintained her commitment to CDR, enlisting new friends who would gather and have fun making spectacular gift baskets for the auction.

In May 2023, Dottie died at age 94. But through her estate, she continued her passionate support of children and families.  Dottie’s $200,000 bequest was her final gift to CDR after nearly three decades of dedication.