Jan Zobel believes that the lesbian community must take care of itself. "If we don't do it for ourselves, no one else is going to do it for us."  The 56 year-old owner of a tax preparation business adds, "Other organizations and causes are important, but they often have a wider audience of potential givers."

Jan walks her talk.  An Oakland, California resident, she gives 5% of her income almost exclusively to LGBT causes and has been a donor to Astraea for more than 20 years.  Jan was introduced to Astraea after a local lesbian organization she had been supporting started cutting back on their services.  "As [it] started doing less, and Astraea started doing more-particularly on the West Coast- I started giving more."  Several years ago, Jan's generosity extended to the inclusion of Astraea in her will. 

Jan views her giving to Astraea as a replacement to volunteering, citing the building of her business as the primary occupation of her time for the past 25 years.  And through the operation of her business, she's found ways to express the value of philanthropy.  For example, she offers a 5% discount to clients who donate at least 5% of their income or time, and she charges people who don't, an extra fee which she then donates herself.

Spending time with friends, traveling, and especially bike riding are some favorite hobbies.  In fact, Jan won the gold medal in the Novice Mountain Biking category for her age group at the last Gay Games in Sydney, Australia!

Jan's drive, commitment and enthusiasm for supporting the lesbian community are key ingredients of Women Will.  It's a program that is ensuring Astraea's future for generations to come.  Won't you consider joining today?

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