Legacy Society Member Stories

Former Red Crosser Dr. Veda Bateman recently became a member of the Legacy Society by establishing a charitable gift annuity. Dr. Bateman was interested in making a gift to support the cause so important to her while meeting some financial objectives through her estate.

Who begins life in poverty, and ends it with giving over $200,000 to the American Red Cross – a charity that he had no previous ties to? It was John Joseph Keppinger.

After 100 years of experience, Dr. Helen Chase knows the value of good planning and caring for others. As a result, in addition to her generous annual contributions, Dr. Chase also chosen to make a gift through her will to the American Red Cross so the organization can continue its critical mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering.

When the American Red Cross has needed leadership and support, volunteers have stepped forward and helped out. One outstanding example of Red Cross leadership is George Nicholson III.

Jeffry M. Bauer is a practicing attorney, arbitrator, and mediator. He is also a volunteer for, and benefactor of, the American Red Cross. Jeff became a member of the Legacy Society last year, through a deferred charitable gift annuity. He has also included a provision for the Red Cross in his will.

Joan Meinke of Mason, Michigan recalls her decision to make a gift through her will, “A few years ago, I made the decision to contact my attorney and put a bequest for the Red Cross in place.

When Katharine Kim adopts a mission, she devotes herself to it wholeheartedly. For nearly 20 years, Kim has donated time, talents, financial support - even blood - to the American Red Cross.

Tripp Robinson’s passion for emergency preparedness comes naturally as a volunteer firefighter. “I see the devastation home fires cause families first hand,” he says. So it is no wonder he is so involved with the American Red Cross mission.

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.