Meet Virginia, the newest member of the St. Louise de Marillac Society.
For Virginia Riggio, the act of giving, of making a difference in young lives, has come full circle.
Virginia has made it her mission to provide for people in need, and her dedication to Maryvale's children is no coincidence.
In 1969, 16-year old Virginia was taken in as a resident at Maryvale, having run away from home because of a complicated relationship with her parents. She had lived with a friend's family for a time before they brought her to Maryvale.
That stay lasted for two years and helped turn her young life around. Virginia now seeks to do the same for others, and in 2016 she created the Riggio Scholarship to help fund college or vocational school tuition and fees for Maryvale residents and alumnae. Wanting to ensure this scholarship is available beyond her lifetime, Virginia has included Maryvale in her estate plan and has become a member of the St. Louise de Marillac Society.
The motivation behind joining the St. Louise de Marillac Society and establishing the scholarship fund is both simple and sincere.
"I like to do things that directly impact our community," Virginia explains.
The memories of her time spent at Maryvale are many, from the old plug-in telephone switchboard to the special trips the girls were given, including the times when "the nuns would haul all of us in buses and take us to the beach in the summer."
She also remembers the grounds, especially the sense of peace they provided.
"I found security and structure for my life at Maryvale," she said. With that came the support of a community that included the other girls, the Sisters, and the Los Angeles Orphanage Guild — a family when she needed it most.
"It was a turning point for me. I felt like I was cared for, defended, and secure. I took that time and those experiences into my life going forward," she said.
The St. Louise de Marillac Society and scholarship fund are two ways the Riggio-Babins intend to help other young lives go forward — with a sense of confidence, poise, and purpose.
"I decided to make a difference at the place that made a difference to me," she said.
"I hope other people will join us in believing in and supporting children who need it most."
To join, please fill out the St. Louise de Marillac Society Form and send electronically or mail to:
Maryvale
Mary Koenig
Chief Development Officer
Development Department
7600 E. Graves Avenue
Rosemead, CA 91770
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.