Giving Starts at Home: Dr. Ken Mares

When Dr. Ken Mares thinks back, he can pinpoint the exact source of his desire to create a legacy: “My parents. My father gave lavishly to his alma mater. Giving was a big part of our family.”

Now in his thirty-second year as director of the STARS program, Ken has spent a career creating a “high school-to-lab” pipeline for gifted kids interested in science. Ken is also a member of the Danforth Center Legacy Society.

“I chose to put the Danforth Center in my will because it is a world-class facility and by making a gift, I can be part of it.”

Ken’s legacy at the Danforth Center continues his life’s work in launching young scientists. His family trust gift benefits the Innovation Fund, which helps fund training for junior scientists, K-12 education and outreach, and new equipment and technology.

He adds with obvious humor: “It also delights me that when I go on to bigger and better things, someone gets new test tubes.”

When you make a planned gift to the Danforth Center, you create a legacy of hope for people around the world. And some gifts, such as charitable gift annuities, can make a difference for both others and yourself.

For more information, contact the Development Office via email or call 314.587.1234.