Supporting a ‘Force for Good’ in the Community

Like so many across the St. Louis metro area, the Koeneman family has spent many happy days at the YMCA. Those treasured times have served as inspiration for a decade of financial support.

Brad Koeneman, a financial planner based in St. Louis, and his wife, Lynn, are members of the YMCA Lamplighter Society, which honors those who have included the organization in their estate plans. Brad also serves on the Metro board of directors.

“The YMCA serves as the center of the community,” Brad says. “The kinds of things they provide are things I’ve been interested in my whole life.”

As a board member, Brad has visited many local branches, where he’s seen staff and volunteers change lives. The Gateway Region YMCA exemplifies healthy living and social responsibility, he explains.

The Koenemans’ admiration was reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Branches provided free childcare for first responders and health care professionals and hosted virtual learning on-site for school-age children.

“It makes you feel good as a donor that in tough times the YMCA is trying to be a real force for good,” Brad says.

The Koenemans have no doubt that their investment directly supports families who use YMCA services. By including the Gateway Region YMCA in their estate plan, they’re ensuring that community members can do so for years to come, regardless of their ability to pay.

“The YMCA is a positive environment for people to meet, have a good time, do good things and support each other,” says Brad. “There’s not enough of that in the world these days.”

Do you have a favorite day spent at the YMCA? Help ensure that everyone in the metro area can make their own memories by including the Gateway Region YMCA in your estate plan. Contact Wendy Cornett-Marquitz, CFRE at 314 436 1177 ext. 21640 or wendy.cornett-marquitz@gwrymca.org to learn more.