Donor Spotlight: Andreas and Mary Jo Sashegyi

Helping their neighbors is part of Andreas and Mary Jo Sashegyi's identity.  

"We've both been very blessed with very good jobs and a lot of security in our lives, and so many people don’t have that, Andreas said. "We feel, fundamentally, a human responsibility to help those less fortunate. This is our community. We have to take care of where we live."  

Like many Lilly employees and retirees, their connection to United Way of Central Indiana began with their workplace giving campaigns. As they learned more about United Way, a relationship formed and the Sashegyis deepened their involvement, ultimately giving generously as Million Dollar Roundtable donors.  

For the Sashegyis, an important springboard to higher levels of giving was the one-to-one match from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) for eligible donations from Lilly employees and retirees. (The Lilly Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.)   

“It gave us the flexibility to support our philanthropic priorities through United Way but also ensure that United Way is being helped through the Lilly match,” Andreas said.  

The Sashegyis are particularly passionate about meeting the basic needs of others and addressing homelessness, something they witness firsthand in their Indianapolis neighborhood. They care deeply about the community-based organizations that receive United Way funding, including Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, where Mary Jo has long volunteered and serves on the Board of Directors.  

Mary Jo also gives of her time with the nonprofit New Breed of Youth (New B.O.Y.) and the Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral. Andreas serves on the Board of Timmy Global Health, Catholic Relief Services and the Marian University Klipsch Educators College. Both are involved with St. Vincent De Paul and their church.  

Mary Jo retired from Lilly after 30 years in a variety of roles, including community outreach. Andreas retired after 27 years as a statistician, most recently as the Associate Vice President of Safety Analytics.  

The Sashegyis said philanthropy doesn't have to stop in retirement. 

“Find what your passion is and match it to time, talent and treasure," said Mary Jo. "And what skills do you have? Lilly hires very talented people, and lots of skills are available in the retirement pool that can make a huge impact for these nonprofit organizations.” 

Recently, Andreas heard a reflection that resonated with him: For many, life is divided into three phases – learning, earning and returning.  

"It's good for retirees to be quite deliberate and intentional at this stage of their lives, especially about what they want to 'return,' and how they're going to do that," Andreas said. "This last third is a chapter in life that profoundly shapes the legacy one will leave, and retirees should recognize that in thinking about what they'll do with their time, talent and treasure."