A Gift, From One Family to So Many Others

The Gateway Region YMCA is like Vince and Christina Bennett’s extended family.

As newlyweds, they visited the YMCA to stay healthy and fit. When they became parents, it became a connector to others and a place where their children could go after school, for summer camps, and to learn sports and sportsmanship.

Now full circle in the Bennett family’s lives, the Y is “bringing us back again, in our empty-nest stage, where we can spend time together,” says Christina, the Assistant Treasurer for the City of St. Louis.

Vince, President and CEO of McCormack Baron Salazar, plays racquetball and swims at a local YMCA branch. He also serves on the Gateway Region YMCA’s Metro Board and the Resource Development subcommittee.

The couple recently made an estate gift to the Gateway Region YMCA through their life insurance policy. “As we transition in life, this gift will continue to benefit the entire community at so many levels,” Christina says.

The couple also wants their very intentional nature of gift making and volunteerism to be an example for their now-grown children. “Our children are aware that we’ve made these gifts,” Christina says. “As they transition into taking over our estate, the hope is that they’ll continue our giving through time, money and service, and hopefully turn it into their own commitment to giving.”