Charlotte “Gay” Yates: Charlotte was born and raised in Southeastern New Mexico to two honest, loving and hardworking parents. She credits her love of agriculture to her “Daddy” who worked tirelessly on a farm and instilled the belief that “you leave your name on every job you do.” Her love for people and gift of hospitality was a result of her mother’s way of always making room for someone extra at the table. Charlotte has held many important positions in her lifetime, from homemaker to bookkeeper to an engineering technician – all of which have shaped her value of loyalty, humility, accountability, and pure love for life and all of God’s blessings – both big and small.

Charlotte finds great joy in continuing the philanthropic legacy of her late husband, John A. Yates. John played an instrumental role in how Charlotte showed her love and dedication to serving people and giving to organizations who are impacting some of the most vulnerable individuals in need of relief and support. Charlotte is grateful for John’s influence and tradition and considers herself blessed to be in a position where she can continue to help people and truly make a difference in their lives. John’s entrepreneurial genius, paired with his value of integrity, work ethic, community and relationships influenced the development of this foundation and Charlotte hopes that her love for family, the gift of generosity and desire to “leave things better than I found them” will be passed on to many generations that follow.