A Multigenerational Legacy at Camp Lakewood

Kurt Kallaus had his share of adventure as a camper at Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood. Among his memories: hunting snakes, exploring caves, pillow fights and seeing how long he could sit in the freezing, spring-fed waters of the trout ponds.

He felt like he had always known the place—because he did. His grandfather, Joseph Sunnen, was instrumental in founding and building the camp and recreation area in the 1940s. Since then, Kurt has revisited the site countless times for reunions, vacations and summers as a camper, father, board member and supporter.

After growing up in the St. Louis area, Kurt’s career took him to Chicago; Florida, where he met his wife, Andrea; and Austin before coming back to be near the family business, Sunnen Products. The homecoming allowed him to introduce Andrea and his two kids to the camp, which immediately became just as special to them.

“We just have a multigenerational, intimate connection to this place,” Kurt says.

Kurt and Andrea are inspired by seeing how much good the camp does by offering role models to kids, providing tranquility for wounded veterans, encouraging access to the outdoors for children who have cancer, and much more.

They became members of our Lamplighter Society by including the Gateway Region YMCA in their estate plan. The couple wants to support the stability and long-term success of Camp Lakewood and its legacy of outdoor recreation.

“It’s part of a responsibility I was taught throughout my life: Leave the world a better place than how you found it,” Kurt says.

Like Kurt and Andrea, you can become a Lamplighter by including a future gift to 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.