Mel and Lindalee Koeller, married 47 years with five adult children and recent American Red Cross Legacy Society members, say there is one reason they are able to give now: throughout their lives, they saved and invested for the long term. “Time is your friend,” Mel says about his financial philosophy.

Carolyn Devine Saint started helping to advance and share the Red Cross mission as a young girl working as a Candy Striper. Fast forward to today and she has continued to support her local chapter in Central Virginia as Chair of the chapter board and became a proud Legacy Society member.

Brad Houle, a prominent member of the Red Cross Cascades regional board, joined other forward-thinking donors as a member of the Legacy Society

Legacy Society member Thomas Tomkiewicz’s first awareness of the American Red Cross began during World War II, when two of his older brothers served in the armed forces. The Red Cross provided them with valuable connections to family at home.

Gift planning is a crucial aspect of philanthropy that ensures the sustainability and future impact of charitable organizations. By thoughtfully planning their contributions, donors can make a significant difference in the missions they support, often beyond their lifetimes. Teresa and Byron Pollitt exemplify this through their extensive involvement and generous contributions to the American Red Cross.

Bob Courtemanche and Eileen Keaveny, who retired as a physics teacher and a psychotherapist, respectively, have a special place in their hearts for the meaning of home.