Jennette Boakes Supports KD’s Present and Future with Current and Estate Gifts

Jennette Boakes, MD, (Alpha Iota-California/Los Angeles) has been giving back to Kappa Delta “almost every year since finishing my education,” she says. “I received a Founders Scholarship while at UCLA, which was quite an honor. I like to support scholarships for collegiate and graduate students.”

To ensure her future support for KD, Jennette has also included the foundation in her estate plan. “I am hoping that the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (also in my estate plan) and Kappa Delta can collaborate. I want my gifts to further the research and education missions of these organizations.”

Jennette started a donor-advised fund many years ago to have money set aside when she needed it for donations. “I can put money into the fund and claim the tax deduction for that year but let the investment funds grow until I have a worthy cause to donate to,” she says.

Now (mostly) retired, Jennette began her career as a children’s orthopaedic surgeon in 1986. “I had no idea when I pledged KD how important KD was in the orthopaedic world,” she says. “I credit being a Kappa Delta with getting accepted into orthopaedic training at a time when hardly any women were accepted!”

Jennette encourages others to join her in leaving a legacy of support for future generations. “I think most people don’t realize all the wonderful charities that sororities and fraternities support,” she concludes. “Considering all the lifelong benefits being a member of Kappa Delta has given you, giving back and paying it forward makes so much sense.”