Gifts Show Deep Appreciation for the Zoo
In 2011, Phyllis Tirmenstein was recognized as an “Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan” by St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors. What makes her ageless and remarkable? A lot of it has to do with her passion for life and her many interests, including an appreciation for music, conversation, fun and involvement with charitable causes.
She became a St. Louisan in 1967 when she moved from Evansville, Indiana to work at Saint Louis University as business manager for the pathology department. Soon upon arrival, she joined an interdenominational group called The Forum where she first met her eventual good friend, Roland Quest.
Phyllis and Roland shared many interests. They both enjoyed music and attended concerts together. Phyllis had played violin and viola with the Evansville Philharmonic and got involved with the Bach Society of St. Louis. They also enjoyed attending Cardinals games, going to boat shows and taking in the many things St. Louis has to offer, including the Saint Louis Zoo.
When Roland passed away in 1994, he entrusted Phyllis to use his estate for the good of the community. She established the Roland Quest Memorial Fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation in 1995, from which Phyllis arranged a significant gift to the Saint Louis Zoo to establish the Roland Quest and Phyllis Tirmenstein Endowment Fund.
“The Zoo is important because of the amazing educational and recreational opportunities it provides to the community,” Phyllis says. “I remember going to the Saint Louis Zoo as a child when we came to visit my uncle. I have been a fan ever since.”
The Roland Quest and Phyllis Tirmenstein Endowment Fund will provide unrestricted support for the Zoo’s greatest needs in perpetuity.
Phyllis has been so pleased with the performance and impact of the gifts made with Roland’s estate that she decided to create a legacy of her own. She established her first charitable gift annuity a few years ago and has created several others since. She has been delighted with the results.
“Annuities provide me with income now and will support the causes I care about when I’m gone,” says Phyllis. “Through Roland’s gifts — and mine — I’ve stayed involved in the things we enjoyed together, and I’ve made great friends along the way. I think he would be proud of what we’re doing for the good of the community.”
Want to show your love and appreciation for the Saint Louis Zoo with a charitable gift annuity like Phyllis has? Contact the Planned Giving Office at (314) 646-4973 or plannedgiving@stlzoo.org to get started.