How feeling “uncomfortable” fuels this donor’s generosity
It’s easy to see why people who live, work and play in the Yellowstone to Yukon region would be inspired to give to Y2Y. But what motivates donors who live further afield to contribute to our cause?
Meet Samantha Hauser, a San Francisco-based donor, with a deep commitment to sustainable urban development and a passion to protect the wild spaces of the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
It’s inspiring to see a self-described “city kid” who grew up in Los Angeles have such a passion to conserve land thousands of miles away.
As a new architect, Samantha found she had little influence on decisions affecting the land. To play a bigger role in responsible land development, Samantha moved into real estate development. She now works with a development firm that prioritizes projects that integrate sustainability.
She also volunteers for her city’s planning commission where she sees a tremendous number of applications to develop small pockets of land — and she knows the cumulative effect these smaller projects will have on the environment.
When she saw a TV documentary years ago about biodiversity and Y2Y, our interconnected approach to land conservation struck a chord.
“How cool that an organization like Y2Y was looking at land from a macro level, whereas my projects are at such a micro level. I was inspired by the expansive approach and forward-thinking mission.”
“How cool that an organization like Y2Y was looking at land from a macro level, whereas my projects are at such a micro level. I was inspired by the expansive approach and forward-thinking mission.”
Samantha Hauser, Y2Y donor
Your generosity helps keep the Yellowstone to Yukon region wild
Samantha’s support of the Yellowstone to Yukon region extends beyond these beautiful landscapes. Her support is driven by a deep respect for the mission of Y2Y.
“I support Y2Y, not because of where it is, but because of WHAT it does — create access for wildlife and protect connectivity,” she explains.
This reflects her belief in the critical need for land conservation. Samantha began giving one-time gifts in 2018. Today, she’s a sustaining donor. She’s explored the region and dreams of retiring along the Snake River. When asked why she supports Y2Y, she shared this beautiful message:
“The opportunities to protect land are fleeting. I thought, if I can afford to donate, then I should do it. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable giving a generous gift. But then I think of the discomfort I’d feel if we lost this vital resource — especially when I could have done something to protect it. Because once the land is gone, it’s gone forever.”
An insightful message from this “city kid,” whose heart lies thousands of miles away along the Snake River.
The generosity of people like you helps keep the Yellowstone to Yukon region wild.
Thank you for believing in our vision: a region where wildlife can roam freely across large and intact landscapes, where healthy nature supports animals and communities, and where people can experience nature safely.
