Birthday Wishes and Delta Gamma Dreams
Joanne Youngblood Harrah, Mu-Missouri, and her husband, Bill, have made it a lifelong habit to support local and national philanthropies, including the Delta Gamma Foundation.
Joanne Youngblood Harrah, Mu-Missouri, has always been proud of her affiliation and involvement in Delta Gamma. Her mother and sister were also members, so Joanne grew up in a home where "Doing Good" was part of everyday life. She and her husband, Bill, have made it a lifelong habit to support local and national philanthropies, including the Delta Gamma Foundation.
As an outstanding community supporter, Joanne was recently named "Person of the Year" by her local newspaper. Joanne's love of Delta Gamma inspired Bill to present her with a second charitable gift annuity (CGA) through the Delta Gamma Foundation as a birthday surprise. By including the Foundation in their estate plans, the Harrahs build on a legacy of supporting the Foundation, and they also receive the benefit of regular retirement income for life.
Joanne's friends liken her to the Energizer bunny, and Joanne says that even in her 86th year, she has to be "up and giving. And DG is giving and returning something to the community. This is a value I learned at home and as a collegian but is something that has also benefited me later in life. Staying engaged and giving back keeps me going."
Joanne and Bill have found a win-win situation in supporting organizations like the Delta Gamma Foundation: "If there is a way to help the 501(c)3 and help yourselves at the same time, why not? The tax deduction of giving to the charity of your choice, and to gain an income stream, the majority tax free, just makes sense," Joanne says.
When asked why she and her husband were committed to supporting the Foundation, Joanne says, "That's what we do. As DGs, we 'Do Good,' and the Foundation is doing that." The Foundation is so grateful for the Harrahs' support.
If you would like to find a way to help the Delta Gamma Foundation in "Doing Good," like Joanne and Bill have, please reach out to Senior Director of Development Aleesa Ross at plannedgiving@deltagamma.org or 614-481-8169 to discuss the many planned giving options available.