Planning her legacy
Andrée Chicha
Prior to her “retirement” earlier this year, Andrée Chicha held the distinction of being the longest-serving member of the YES Board of Trustees – 25 years!
After Andrée moved from Spokane to Bellevue in 1990 to go into private practice, she began looking for volunteer opportunities in her new community. One of her firm’s partners had been approached by YES to join the board, and suggested that Andrée consider the opportunity. She joined the board in 1993, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Looking back, she remembers a much smaller facility, HVAC issues, and delayed attempts to launch a capital campaign because of national economic woes. Finally, YES held a highly successful campaign to build the facility that stands today at Crossroads Park.
Andrée recently informed YES that she had included the agency in her estate plan. As a lawyer, she focused on estate planning, and regularly asked her clients whether they had considered including charitable giving in their plan. “It is so easy to do,” said Andrée, just by changing the wording in your will or adding a codicil.
In addition to her ongoing financial support, Andrée wants to leave a legacy of hope for young people and their families. For her, it’s quite simple – the youth today are our future tomorrow. Andrée is proud to be part of an organization where talented professionals provide the tools and guidance kids need to discover their power to make positive choices, and to walk the path to light and joy.
To learn more about becoming part of the Legacy Society visit our website or contact Madelaine Thompson, Director of Fun Development and Community Relations at 425.586.2328
