Financial Security and a Sense of Continuity
Irene Gulovsen's mother inspired her to carry on her values of caring about animals and the environment. Those values and the inheritance she left Irene were powerful gifts that Irene and her husband, Bob, are using for impact now and into the future.
"We've been given the amazing gift of this planet," says Irene. "We are responsible for taking care of it. As many animal species are jeopardized, it's important to get all of humanity on board."
Bob Gulovsen shares his perspective: "We are leaving our children more than we got, and there's still enough to do other things with." Irene added, "We're thinking of the future ̵ for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and for all young people."
"We started with charitable gift annuities," says Bob,"which made extreme financial sense. Then we decided to continue doing good by joining the Marlin Perkins Society and naming the Zoo in our will. It's nice to visit the Zoo and feel that we have been a part of making it what it is in a small way."
Irene furthered that sentiment, saying, "It gives us a sense of continuity beyond our time. People find enjoyment here and become more involved in protecting the animals because the Zoo makes people aware. When you visit the Zoo, it all really comes alive, so you become more passionate about saving the animal kingdom.
"Giving is joyful. It becomes part of you, so that you want to continue supporting and doing."
You, too, can leave a lasting legacy at the Zoo to inspire future generations. To learn how, contact the Planned Giving Office at (314) 646-4973 or plannedgiving@stlzoo.org.