Welcome to One Legacy’s website. Currently we are updating our website with a new design and new features. You may find that some links are not working, and some information is missing during this time. We ask that you be patient with us as we make our changes. Check back often to see what is new.
How are you capturing your loved one’s special memories?
One Legacy founder Mike Stith with his uncle, Earl Stith, One Legacy board member
Our Current Project
At Your Service, the authorized biography of Gene Verdu
This book is the story about a remarkable man who spent his life serving others. The book is authored by One Legacy LLC founder Mike Stith.
Click on the above image to read the inside cover, some sample pages, and the back cover of this amazing book.
Gene and I first met while attending a senior picnic in Shiloh, IL in the summer of 2019. Gene became interested in sharing his story with me. Shortly after this meeting, he asked me to help him write a book about his life. A deep and meaningful friendship was born.
I spent the next 2 ½ years gathering information with Gene for the book. He introduced me to many people from his past and I traveled with him to Belize; where Gene co-founded a program called the “Belize Children’s Project” (BCP for short). In collaboration with Shriners and Rotary Clubs, along with several amazing host families. The project works to bring children in Belize who need orthopedic surgery to the Shriner’s hospital in St. Louis, MO. The program has aided over 400 kids through the years. Many of the children Gene helped lovingly refer to him as “Uncle Gene”.
Gene not only co-founded the Belize Children’s Project, but he also worked closely with seniors. He was instrumental in the founding of PSOP (Programs and Services for Older Persons), in Belleville, IL.
In 2020, working with me, and with the generous financial support of friends and family, he founded “The Uncle Gene Foundation”, a public charity aiding underprivileged children and senior adults.
Gene Verdu truly lived to serve others. Sadly, he passed away in March of 2022 before his book was finished. I have carried on the work to bring forward the story of this wonderful person.
The book is set for release early in 2023. Proceeds will be donated to the Uncle Gene Foundation.
–Mike Stith
For more information about this project or about One Legacy; click on the button to contact us by email.
To reserve your copy of “At Your Service” Click on the button to send an email to One Legacy. Include your name, email address and zip code in your email.
To learn more about The Uncle Gene Foundation Click Here
To learn more about The Belize Children Project Click Here
How To Capture Those Special Memories
Book Options
More information about One Legacy’s book options is coming soon.
Story Sharing
The heart of One Legacy is story sharing. It is where One Legacy got it’s start and it will continue to be our main mission to provide individuals with a safe place to share special memories.
Click Here to read the stories that people have shared with One Legacy.
Click Here to see category list of shared stories.
Click Here to share a story with One Legacy.
Group Sharing
More information about One Legacy’s group sharing is coming soon.
What people are saying
The “Story Starter” cards were wonderful tools for my grand daughters to connect with their 91-year-old great grandmother. We all sat at the dining room table and she shared stories of her younger years (some of which were new to me!). There was a lot of laughter that day and the girls learned some fun facts! Hopefully, these memories will be cherished by them through the years. I would highly recommend using the Story Starter cards for those with memory issues. It’s a great “jump start” to initiate conversations with the elderly.
Debbie C.
We are very happy that our residents participated in Legacy Sharing. They were very happy with the program and shared many great stories!
Susan T.
Administrator, Hitz Memorial Home
We were very happy with the participation and comments that our residents shared from the Legacy Sharing program. Several of our residents attended every week, and loved it!
Ashley W.
Autumn View Gardens
The Legacy Sharing Program has been a magnet for getting residents out of their rooms and socializing more often with each other. Sharing their memories and telling their stories with a facilitated group of active listeners, clearly energizes the participants. As a result of the program, residents are frequently drawn out of their shells and motivated to visit with and learn more from each other.
Teresa R.
Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, Sunrise Senior Living
I like the interactive quality of the program. It seems important any time in life but especially at the end – as a way of pulling the threads together.
Lorraine L.
I like sharing stories and learning how to be creative. Many people would like to write family history.
Betty W.
It’s all about connecting heart to heart. It opens people up.
Carol B.
It’s the way to open up – not just for the elderly, but for anyone.
Dr. Ramana M.
Exchanging experiences as a result of sharing special memories is very rewarding. Storygtelling is a lost art that is worth reviving because it is a heartwarming and therapeutic connector.
Caren L.
I like the laughter, human connection, getting comfortable sharing, and getting to hear other people’s stories.