I’ve spent my career learning about and facilitating philanthropy, but my most formative lessons came long before I entered the workforce. I learned them by observing the remarkable life of my mother, Betty Snapp, who died on June 4.

The power of philanthropy occurs when passionate donors, committed volunteers and capable employees work together to accomplish more than they can alone. Mom taught me that one person can embody all three roles.

After recognizing that children with developmental disabilities in Eastern Jackson County lacked access to services close to home, she co-founded Sunshine Center School. Mom served as the organization’s executive director for decades, helping expand opportunities for children and families, advocating for early intervention and successfully completing a $14 million campaign. Sunshine Center ultimately became part of the Independence School District, fulfilling the vision that initially inspired her.

Later, Mom demonstrated what it means to be a committed volunteer. She helped create the Coalition of Women Helping Children and its Tennies for Kids and Fashion for Compassion fundraisers benefitting Community Services League. And with my dad, Terry, Mom started the Stone Church Community Dinner. What began as a simple meal prepared in my parents’ home grew into a weekly gathering providing more than 250 people food, fellowship and dignity.

Mom and Dad have been generous donors their entire lives. Quietly and humbly, they’ve made significant financial gifts to their church, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation and social service agencies in their community. The extent of their generosity is largely unknown to friends, family and peers, which is exactly how they want it.

In fact, mom did not describe herself as a philanthropist. She simply saw needs and responded with her talent, time and financial resources.

Only now do I fully appreciate how much mom’s life shaped my understanding of philanthropy.

Capable staff members give philanthropy direction, committed volunteers catalyze it and passionate donors give resources that bring possibilities to life.

Mom’s legacy lives on in the people she blessed, the organizations she served and the missions she supported. And through it all, she demonstrated that one person, over the span of her amazing life, can indeed play all three roles that together unleash the power of philanthropy.