Annual Service Project

Ultimate Gift

Making a difference in our communities

In 2010, YMSL National kicked-off an annual philanthropy event called the “Ultimate Gift” project for local chapters. The goal is for each YMSL chapter to find a way to give an "Ultimate Gift" back to their community.

The idea for the “Ultimate Gift” project began as a spin-off from the novel of the same name written by Jim Stovall. In the book, a wealthy grandfather dies and his grandson anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with twelve tasks – or “gifts” – designed to challenge him and to send him on a journey of self-discovery. The boy grows a heart for serving others and his life is forever changed. The message of the Ultimate Gift has prompted others to give more, connect more and help more, including all of us at YMSL. 

Some past YMSL Ultimate Gift projects have included the construction of playgrounds; makeover of apartments; painting of shelters/facilities; exterior painting of homes; and landscape cleanup etc.