A Legacy of Leadership: John & Ginny Rowe Invest in the Future
For John and Ginny Rowe, philanthropy is both a joy and a responsibility. Twenty-year members of the Danforth Society, and 15-year members of the William H. Danforth Legacy Society, the Rowes have made supporting the Danforth Center part of their life’s work.
John spent 35 years in banking before serving as CEO of Bethesda Health Group, which provides care and community for seniors across St. Louis. “When you’re in those roles, you’re involved in many civic organizations,” John reflects. “Some things you do out of duty, but others really strike you as something you want to be involved in. The Danforth Center hooked me early.”
Ginny and John Rowe, members of both the Danforth Society and the William H. Danforth Legacy Society.
For John, the appeal was twofold. “I like the idea of having something that does charitable work throughout the world and does good for St. Louis. While the Center is feeding the world and healing the planet, it’s also helping St. Louis reinvent itself for a new era.”
Ginny remembers being invited to one of the Danforths’ early gatherings and being inspired by the vision. “Every time we attend an event, we see friends and learn more. Bill Danforth’s foresight has truly made a difference in the world.”
The Rowes believe deeply in giving back. “If you’ve been fortunate enough to be in a position to help others,” John says, “it’s both an obligation—and a privilege—to do so.” Ginny adds: “Charitable giving has always been part of my family. You want your children and grandchildren to see that it’s a learned behavior, an attitude worth encouraging.”
John Rowe at the Danforth Center's annual Gratitude Luncheon in September 2025.
That philosophy led them to create a planned gift in 2011. John, who once chaired his church’s endowment campaign, understands the power of legacy giving: “A planned gift ensures our support continues forever.” Ginny adds: “It’s very easy to leave a portion of your IRA to a nonprofit. It’s effective, tax-wise, and allows you to care for both your family and your community.” (More details on the best type of gift for your situation here.)
In fact, John feels so strongly about the importance of planned giving, that he recently penned a letter urging other Danforth Center supporters to get involved with ensuring their legacy. Read John Rowe's letter here.
By choosing to give annually and by making the Danforth Center part of their estate, John and Ginny are creating a legacy of impact—one that will help feed the world, sustain the planet, and strengthen St. Louis for generations to come.
You Can Make a Difference
Planned gifts to the Danforth Center are a cornerstone of the Future Forward campaign. Dr. William H. Danforth helped found the Danforth Plant Science Center—and with his final estate gift, he helped secure its future. To learn more about how you can make a difference by supporting the Center through a will, trust, or other estate gift, visit the Legacy webpages or contact the Development Department at 314.587.1234.