Lighting the Way With a Legacy Gift

Lyle Gilbertson fondly recalls a childhood of swimming with friends at his local YMCA. Years later, a pool would bring him back to the Y.

“When I was working in commercial real estate, the Gateway Region YMCA visited our offices as part of a capital campaign for their diving pool,” Lyle says. “Management donated and asked if anyone would be interested in joining the Y’s board. I said I’d try it.”

Thirty-four years later, Lyle continues to be actively involved with the Y, along with his wife, Peggy. The couple has also ensured that their community commitment lives on by becoming members of the Lamplighter Society.

Lamplighters are individuals who have included the Y in their estate plans, made an outright gift to the YMCA Endowment Fund or established another kind of legacy gift.

When deciding where to direct their gift, Lyle and Peggy chose two YMCA locations they have special ties to: the Emerson Y and Edward Jones Y. Lyle grew up two miles away from the Emerson Y, played a key role in the building of the Edward Jones Y and currently serves on the Edward Jones Y board.

“We’re proud to leave something behind that will keep the Y’s doors open and keep kids going to camp,” Lyle says. “Knowing what our gift can do down the road for those who might need a little boost really means something to Peggy and me.”

Like the Gilbertsons, you can make an impact in your community by making a future gift to the Gateway Region YMCA. Contact Wendy Cornett-Marquitz, CFRE at 314 436 1177 ext. 21640 or wendy.cornett-marquitz@gwrymca.org to learn more about your giving options.