Why I Give


Why I Give

Max Mayse, pictured here with his wife Nelda at an Audio-Reader Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, has been a longtime donor of Audio-Reader. "I gave my first gift to Audio-Reader the same year I began volunteering...33 years ago!" Max knew right away he wanted to give back and help people who have visual impairments. "My father had a brother and sister who both became blind in their teenage years. My mother had rheumatoid arthritis and couldn't hold a book," Max shared, "They would've benefited from a service like Audio-Reader."

Additionally, Max is able to maximize his gift with his company's matching program. "As a previous employee and now as a retiree of KU Endowment, KU Endowment matches all of my gifts up to a certain amount. They allow my giving to have the greatest impact," Max said. After KU announced its budget cuts and decided to cease all direct financial funding to Audio-Reader in 2018, Max knew he wanted to step up. It was at that time when he and Nelda decided to make Audio-Reader their cause. From working at KU Endowment for 18 years, Max knows first-hand that 100% of his donation goes directly to Audio-Reader. 

The advancements Audio-Reader continues to make is something Max especially values. "Technology is moving forward so quickly. All the work Audio-Reader does to provide dual streams, be accessible on Alexa devices and more not only helps local listeners, but can help other listeners across the country. That needs to be known," Max shared. 

"This is a very worthy organization," Max continued, "Who knows, I may need this service later in my life. I want to pay it forward now and make a difference." 

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