Charles Morgan, of Software Plus, donated to the St. Joe computer lab.

As excerpted on 5/7/98 from the Ogden Standard Examiner:

Family works hard at giving back to the community

Computers at private schools, donations to Make-A-Wish top list

If you sit in Charles Morgan's office at "Software Plus," you will find several framed pictures in the room. One is a picture of little boats with children inside enjoying a ride at Disneyland. What do Disneyland and "Software Plus" have in common? Morgan and his wife, Shirley Ann, donate to the Make-A- Wish Foundation. Because of this, they receive these little paintings by children when they make donations. The frames around these pictures have these words imprinted on each and everyone: "With Appreciation From the Make-A- Wish Foundation." Each one is signed by a child whose wish did come true.

Even if the full cost for the wish was donated by several benefactors, the Morgans and their counterparts still receive the child's thanks through the cherished pictures.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is supported by the Morgans because they have a 7-year-old nephew who is a recipient of the program. Last September he received his wish to go to Disneyland. This little boy has cancer and thanks to Make-A-Wish, the trip of his lifetime became a reality.

Donating 10 percent

Every year, Software Plus donates 10 percent of its profits -- $100,000 last year -- to programs such as Make-A-Wish. They have also donated computers to private schools. The family feels strongly about donating to private schools because many of these schools lack funding.

Karl Jurek, the computer department head at St. Joseph High School, said he was very pleased that Software Plus has donated 20 computers for their computer lab since November 1997.

"Charles Morgan has given us the ability to produce a modern, up-to-date computer laboratory at St. Joseph's," Jurek said. "He has improved our school and has improved our reputation within the community."

Neil Whittier, development director at Christian Heritage School, said, "The Morgans have donated a total of 23 computers to our school for the last two years. We are happy to be a school that has been chosen to enhance and advance our computer technology. We seek a higher step in education. We cannot do it without their help."

The Morgans also donate to the Ogden Rescue Mission, giving toward its building fund. At Christmastime, each employee at Software Plus is given $100 to shop for their personal adopted family which might not have a Christmas for their children.

The Morgans also have donated $50,000 worth of computer equipment to the Las Vegas City School District because they needed it.

Since 1988, the Morgans' business has donated $500,000 in equipment and money to their causes.

Shirley Ann Morgan is vice president of Software Plus and donates 30 hours per week to the business. She handles the internal running of Software Plus.

Family businesses

The Morgan family has been in business a long time. Morgan's father, Ted Morgan, owns Morgan Jewelers in town. His mother, Sheri, is co-owner of Wasatch Distributing in Ogden. Both are active in the community and enjoy partnering with others.

Sheri Morgan said, "My son is concerned about people, especially children. If someone talks about the needs of a child, he is always there to help."

Charles Morgan feels strongly that "making too much money is not a good thing."

He said, "We have made a commitment to give back to the community as much as we can. We take pride in our work, and have a good standard of living."

Shirley Ann Morgan said, "We love our little business. The community is part of our love for others. We hope to continue in this capacity in the coming years ahead."

SJHS Alumni Assoc.
695 John Muir Dr. #101, San Francisco CA 94132
(801) 415-584-9806
E-Mail: st-joe@geocities.com
WWW: http://geocities.datacellar.net/Heartland/Village/8845