October 2025
 

A Note from Mary

Dear Friends,

It was a day filled with gratitude and celebration. On September 17, 2025, we gathered to honor two remarkable people whose lives embody the true meaning of generosity, Arne and Steffi Siegel. During a special ceremony, we unveiled the new name of our building, the Siegel Giving Center, in their honor.

Legacy is a word we use often in philanthropy, usually connected to estate planning or endowments. But legacy is more than that. It is about how we choose to make a difference right now.

Arne and Steffi have spent their lives helping others. Arne, an automotive engineer, invented both the child safety seat and the crash test dummy, saving millions of lives. Instead of profiting from his inventions, he ensured they were available to everyone. Steffi, a psychotherapist and author, has dedicated her career to supporting adoptive families and children. Together, they adopted three children of their own and built a life grounded in compassion and community.

Their love for Montana began in West Yellowstone, where they founded the West Yellowstone Foundation, the state’s first local community foundation. Today, their vision continues through 21 funds totaling $15 million, helping address housing, transportation, and scholarships. Their example has inspired the creation of 76 local community foundations across Montana, 45 of which are affiliated with the Montana Community Foundation (MCF).

The Siegel Giving Center will serve as a lasting tribute to their generosity, a place where community foundations and nonprofits can come together to strengthen Montana communities.

As Steffi shared during the dedication,

“There are few feelings as good as looking back on your life and knowing you’ve done some good. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make an impact in your community.”

We invite you to celebrate this legacy with us by watching a short video from the dedication ceremony.

With gratitude,

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