Legacy Philanthropy Donors Rhona and Rick Reagen

Rhona Reagen was part of the first class of MYAC parents and coaches starting in 1993, and she continues to coach chamber groups and conduct the Reading Orchestra today. Rhona and and her husband Rick demonstrate that anyone who believes in MYAC and music education can create a lasting legacy with even a modest planned gift. We sat down with Rhona to ask her about her inspiring commitment to MYAC students.

Why is MYAC important to you?

As an educator, MYAC represents positive role models, positive encouragement. This is a nice place. It’s not elitist. Excellence is celebrated, but so are many other things. The bottom line of every decision is not just the bottom line, it comes down to: is it a good decision based on educational needs and educational goals. That’s not as true in any other arts organization. It’s the encouragement combined with the dedication to excellence. The faculty are all really dedicated to excellence. They all care about the kids. At the end of the day, it’s about what is going to be the best experience for growth and learning for the students. 

As a parent, it’s nice to have a place for your kids to come where they feel part of a community. That doesn’t always happen in school. Many times the kids here are the oddballs in their school. Here they’re not oddballs, and their passions are celebrated. And it’s nice when your kids come here and they feel that. It’s a place to grow. And every week they come home and they feel good about what they did here. Recently, the dad of one of my chamber students emailed me and told me his son always comes home happy and really excited. In order for that to happen, you have to be in an environment that allows it to happen.

What has inspired you over the years to continue to support MYAC philanthropically?

Fiscal responsibility. I’ve seen financials from the beginning, and what I tell everybody I encourage to contribute to MYAC is that you will not find a more responsible organization. Every nickel of your donation will be squeezed. I believe that’s important to donors. I know when I give money, whatever I give, its not going to be a lot but at least it’s going to be used in the way it’s meant to be used. 

What further inspired you to make a bequest gift?

Well, MYAC has been my passion for 25 years. I came on board from the beginning, I feel like I was one person who helped this place grow and succeed. What better way, for what little I have when I pass, what better place to leave it to? So with me it’s obviously a personal connection. For others, they need to know that it’s an organization that would be very grateful and is in great need of support.