A ‘Serial Volunteer’ Gives Back Again

When Jeanne and Ron Yegge moved to St. Louis, they didn’t know a soul. Through a volunteer website, Jeanne connected with the Gateway Region YMCA—and began a decade of giving back to a community that would become her home.

As a tutor with the Y’s Literacy Program, Jeanne helped students build reading confidence through weekly one-on-one sessions. Working primarily with foster children, she incorporated games and activities to make reading fun, even throwing “100 parties” when students completed 100 sessions.

A self-described “serial volunteer,” Jeanne also served on the Literacy Board and later the Community Development Board. While a board member, Jeanne learned about the global impact of Community Development programs and the power of a legacy gift and encouraged others to give as well. Speaking about delayed giving, she says, “You don’t have to work it into your budget today or put that money aside today. You know that if you have the means, you can designate it to a cause you feel passionate about.”

Though the Yegges have since relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be closer to their grandson, they are proud to leave a lasting impact on the Community Development branch of the Gateway Region YMCA through a gift in their will. As Jeanne says, “Giving locally has a big footprint.”

Create Your Own Legacy

To create your own will—and give to the Gateway Region YMCA—visit freewill.com/gwrymca. The process is simple, confidential and free. To discuss other ways to give, contact Wendy Cornett-Marquitz, CFRE at 314 436 1177 ext. 21640 or wendy.cornett-marquitz@gwrymca.org.