Meet the Yahns: Why Monthly Giving Matters
Heather and Greg Yahn’s connection to Hamot Health Foundation spans generations.
Greg’s grandfather, Walter S. Yahn, was a longtime supporter of UPMC Hamot, and his mother, Patricia Yahn, served on the HHF Board for several years. Heather, too, has spent over two decades contributing to projects that have strengthened both UPMC Hamot and the broader Erie community.
As longtime Corporators, the Yahns have always valued staying engaged with the hospital’s evolving work. But it was a shift in HHF’s approach that deepened their connection.
“We were inspired when HHF began looking beyond immediate needs and started addressing the root causes of health issues,” Heather said. “Instead of just buying equipment for babies exposed to substances, the foundation asked why it was happening—and then partnered with Safe Harbor to help women overcome addiction before birth. That’s a transformative solution that benefits both the hospital and the community.”
That same commitment to addressing big-picture challenges is what led the Yahns to support both the Social Impact Fund and MWRI Erie. “We were stunned by the data showing how much your zip code affects your health,” they shared. “And as science lovers, we care deeply about advancing women’s health—especially when it’s so underfunded nationwide.”
For the Yahns, setting up a recurring monthly gift to these funds felt like a natural choice.
“Recurring giving is easy. Smaller, repetitive donations add up significantly over time but have very little impact on our monthly budget,” Greg said. “And, it helps support the full scope of HHF’s work—not just one project at a time.”
Their hope is that their ongoing support helps build a healthier, more hopeful community. “Supporting HHF is about investing in the future,” Heather added. “We believe that everyone benefits from a healthier community. Our giving is about leaving a legacy of wellness—for our neighbors and for future generations.”