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Well-Known Hollywood Producer Leaves Legacy to Government Accountability Project

On June 26, 2020, popular longtime Hollywood producer Stuart Cornfeld sadly lost his struggle with cancer. He left a significant mark on Hollywood with a score of films that ranged from horror to comedy. His most successful creations were comedies that he produced in close collaboration with actor Ben Stiller, including Zoolander, Starsky & Hutch, Dodgeball, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny, Blades of Glory and Tropic Thunder.

Legacy of Truth Spotlight: Elsie Sorgenfrei

Elsie Sorgenfrei stands beside a stream in Everett, Washington, in 2008, the year she received a Jefferson Award for her conservation efforts. Before Elsie Sorgenfrei, dedicated Government Accountability Project supporter and environmental activist, passed away in May 2013, she had devoted decades of her life to saving streams and lakes in Washington State from deadly pesticides.

The community of whistleblowers and their allies lost a champion in October of 2019, when scientist and whistleblower Jane E. Rosen passed away. To continue Dr. Rosen’s pursuit of justice and truth, her family and friends have established the Jane E. Rosen Fund at Government Accountability Project.

Champion of Truth Leaves Legacy of Justice

On Jan. 18, 2018, Anne Hale Johnson passed away, surrounded by family and loved ones. With her passing, Government Accountability Project lost a friend, an advisor, a donor and a champion of truth tellers everywhere. Her association with Government Accountability Project began a few decades ago during her nine-year tenure as Chair of the Union Theological Seminary.

For more than 22 years, Roald Cann was a faithful supporter of our efforts. Sadly, Roald, "Rolly" to friends and family, peacefully passed away at his home last May at the age of 82. A public interest champion, Rolly was well-known as a kind and compassionate person who loved and respected all living things.

Long After a Visit, a Legacy

I was fresh from an exciting two-day conference Government Accountability Project had organized about the massive contamination problems at the Hanford Nuclear Weapons Facility. Our conference penetrated the pretense, and for many hours 200 federal officials, state regulators, national public interest activists, local concerned citizens, Native Americans and whistleblowers talked to and not past one another.

Last year, Government Accountability Project launched our Legacy Fund with a mix of bonds and other assets generously provided by Emil and Myrtle Tweten, Roald Cann and Dr. Clare Herald. All four Government Accountability Project patrons personally shared with me how important they found Government Accountability Project's work to be. They identified with our mission, sympathized with us during rough times and cherished our victories as well.

Dr. Clare Herald's Legacy: Protecting Whistleblowers' Rights

Dr. Clare Herald had a passion for corporate and financial accountability, especially protecting whistleblowers. She was a great believer in Government Accountability Project and whistleblower rights. In response to a personal appeal in 2002, she provided a $10,000 gift that allowed us to focus more intently on corporate reforms after the Enron and WorldCom financial meltdowns.

The Thomas Horner Legacy

Last year Government Accountability Project supporter Thomas Horner left an estate gift to Government Accountability Project that is impacting three areas reflecting his deep personal concerns: climate change, environmental contamination and inhumane treatment of farm animals.

The Mary Morgan Legacy

Social justice pioneer and feminist Mary Morgan of Yellow Springs, Ohio, passed away in January of this year. As a lifetime supporter of Government Accountability Project, she graciously decided that her legacy would include an estate gift to our organization.

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