Lamplighter Society Founder Encourages Giving

Dick Stoll first encountered the YMCA as a camp counselor. Little did he know that was just the beginning of a long YMCA career, with positions in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. "There was never a day that I didn't look forward to going to work," Dick says.

In 1972, Dick put together a publication encouraging donors to make provisions in their estate plans for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. To his surprise, more than 30 people responded saying they had already done so. Thus, the Lamplighter Society was born. The name came from vaudeville actor Sir Harry Lauder, who noted that when a lamplighter disappeared around the corner, you still knew he had been there by the light he left behind.

Dick and his wife, Betsy, thought this story perfectly suited the new giving society.

"It's the satisfaction of being a light for someone in the future," Dick says, adding that the YMCA is all-inclusive. "Those who can't afford it can still come in."

The Lamplighter Society helps make that possible. The Stolls have enjoyed seeing the society grow in size and support for the Gateway Region YMCA, and they hope you'll consider joining the society.

"Annual and deferred gifts make up the artery that feeds the heart of the YMCA," Dick says. "It's the easiest gift you'll ever make!"

Be a Light for Someone in the Future

Like the Stolls, you can make a meaningful impact on the Gateway Region YMCA. Contact Wendy Cornett-Marquitz, CFRE at 314 436 1177 ext. 21640 or wendy.cornett-marquitz@gwrymca.org to learn about your giving options.