Meet Our Donors
Jack and Ying Mei
“Making the world an easier place to be good in”
Despite growing up two states and 180 miles of highway apart, Jack and Ying Mei experienced surprisingly parallel – if humble – upbringings: Parents who worked relentlessly to raise and provide for their children. Education was foremost, as each of their parents lacked such an opportunity. Though Jack and Ying Mei never had to skip meals, food was not to be taken for granted. Both raised Roman Catholic, they were taught early on about the virtues of charity.
The couple’s eventual union seemed merely a matter of fate running its course.
With early exposure to social justice issues, both also chose careers serving their communities. For Jack, it was the Army followed by years as a labor organizer. Meanwhile, Ying Mei spent her career in healthcare, dedicating 25 years to working with underserved communities.
“We are acutely aware of the major inequities that exist, and feel passionate about making a contribution to our planet,” said Ying Mei.
Doing what feels right
Ying Mei and Jack first learned about Alameda County Community Food Bank from some close friends who hosted a Food Bank-focused gathering at their house.
“The stories about hunger (in our community) and those who cannot meet their daily food needs convinced us to begin contributing,” said Ying Mei. “The facts were compelling.”
“Contributing” may be an understatement: Jack and Ying Mei were so drawn to our cause that they began hosting their own events and advocating within their circle of friends on our behalf. As they became more aware of the profound nature of hunger in our community – as well as the depth and breadth of our work – they sought more ways to help, including becoming monthly donors.
Creating a Legacy
Jack and Ying Mei want to be remembered as living their lives “with good consciousness, generosity and helping to make this world a better place than how (they) found it.”
So, recently the couple made the ultimate commitment to our work by naming Alameda County Community Food Bank in their estate plan.
“Our focus on developing a sensible estate plan with an attorney moved us to seriously consider our legacy distributions,” said Ying Mei. “We wanted to help the next generations of our family, but also aimed to give approximately half our legacy to organizations we cherish.”
As Ying Mei noted, the couple wants to ensure that our Food Bank will always have the resources to provide quality food to those who need it, as well as the continued capacity to advocate alongside other food banks to end hunger in America.
“We never had to feel anxious regarding whether or not we can eat,” she continued. “It is difficult to accept that many do live with this anxiety … given the affluence and privileges of our society.”
We’d like to thank you, Ying Mei and Jack – along with all Will to End Hunger society members – for your generous commitment and partnership in our passionate pursuit of a hunger-free community.