One generation models it. The next carries it forward.  

Deep roots
Gail Saunders has lived in Trinidad almost her entire life, in the house her parents built before she was born. Just down the road stands a library and a museum that exist in large part because of her family. “When I say it out loud,” she admits, “it’s pretty remarkable.”

A story that starts with a knock on a door
To understand Gail’s generosity, you have to go back. Her paternal grandfather, Mose Saunders, who was born and raised in Stockton, CA, came home from World War I missing a leg and carrying
grief. His closest friend, Glenn, had been killed in combat. Before rebuilding his own life, Mose traveled to Arcata to find Glenn’s family — and fell in love with Glenn’s sister, Mae. They married, settled in Trinidad, and built its economic foundation: a grocery store, a post office, a gas station. Gail’s maternal grandmother, Emma DeMartin Moore, had contracted polio at age 5, living with its physical effects for the rest of her life. Yet she raised three children alone in Eureka, held up by the community, St. Bernard’s School, and the sisters at St. Joseph Hospital. Her strength did not go unrecognized: in the 1950s, nominated by her own daughter, she was honored as Mother of the Year. Two improbable stories. One remarkable family.

Learning by watching
Gail’s parents, Janis and Glenn Saunders, worked side by side for decades, lived beneath their means and gave steadily to the community that shaped them. Their defining act: donating a large parcel of land for Trinidad’s library, museum and park — then fundraising relentlessly to make it real. Her mother gave because the library had been her sanctuary in childhood. Her father gave because he loved this town to his core. “He could be a little relentless on the phone,” Gail laughs. “I think sometimes people gave just so he’d stop calling.” No one doubted his sincerity.

Passing the torch
When her parents passed, Gail became steward of their philanthropic legacy — and extended it. She joined the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation board, deepening her understanding of the hospital’s needs, ultimately making major gifts alongside her brother Larry for critical ICU equipment. She also became deeply involved with Hospice of Humboldt, joining their Development Council and advocating for the organization ever since. Larry, who lives in El Dorado Hills, CA, and will likely never need care in Humboldt County, gave to St. Joseph’s anyway. “Mom and dad would have done this,” he told her — generosity rooted in values, not convenience.

Advice for the next generation
Like her father before her, Gail has made it her mission to inspire others to give, one conversation at a time. Gail’s counsel to younger donors begins with passion. Her own commitment to Hospice of Humboldt is what she hopes others will find for themselves. “Start by giving your time,” she says. “You see the benefit, you feel the meaning, and then you get motivated to give in other ways when you can.” It doesn’t have to be large. It just has to be genuine. Find the cause that moves you, she says, and let it.