Reflecting on his partner’s experience as an employee at TRILOGY, a donor shares how her passion inspired his support.

Mary Kay Shaw made connections with people everywhere she went, including at Trilogy, where she was avalued, and vibrant, member of our team. Sadly, Mary Kay passed away unexpectedly four years ago, leaving a void in the lives of many.

Mary Kay’s long-term partner, Guy, keeps her memory close through his ongoing support of Trilogy –and this week, he’s auctioning a collection of vintage Lionel trains to support our mission. We connected with Guy for a conversation on the eve of the four-year anniversary of Mary Kay’s passing.

“I had never heard of Trilogy before Mary Kay started working there,” says Guy. “She was looking for arole where she would have a positive impact, and a friend told her about your organization. She worked on the admin side, and it was a wonderful experience for her. She loved how welcoming Trilogy is, and she loved how Trilogy treats people – both the people who come to you for help, and the employees.

“Mary Kay would say that her co-workers are incredible, and committed to the people Trilogy serves. She knew Trilogy was a remarkable place that was doing great things for the community.

“Trilogy is amazing in its own right, and also special to me because of Mary Kay’s love for the organization. Through her, I learned about the importance of mental health. I understand more. Now, when I walk around and I see people in the community who might need help, I’m reminded of Trilogy. I’m reminded that this is work that Mary Kay was passionate about, and I want to help.

“I’ve always loved to collect things. I’ve collected coin-operated carnival machines, rotoscopes, vintage cars and other antiques.  I enjoy the design of the trains, the craftsmanship and the engineering that goes into them. I’ve amassed three or four collections of trains throughout my life. Eventually, I sell them. The trains that I’m auctioning now to support Trilogy are Lionel trains made from 1928 to 1937. They’re the original toys, not reproductions.

“This is my last collection of trains. I’ve enjoyed these trains so much, but it’s time to let them go. Working at Trilogy was such a wonderful experience for Mary Kay. I want to pass these trains along in a way that is meaningful, and will hopefully inspire others to support your work as well.

“I want Trilogy to continue to grow and be able to help more people. You’re doing great work. I want to support Trilogy because it helps me stay connected to Mary Kay. It’s a reminder.”

And what did Mary Kay think of the trains?

“She was into them!,” Guy says. “She liked antiques, vintage cars, and things like that. We were together for 15 years. Mary Kay was the most amazing woman. Today is tough, but it makes me feel really good to give back to Trilogy in her memory.”

We are grateful to Guy for taking the time to connect and share such a personal part of his journey with Trilogy and for his ongoing support.

Proceeds from the auction of the trains will be donated to support Trilogy’s mission.  Live bidding for the auction begins on Thursday, March 27 at 9 AM CT. Please note the trains auctioned by Guy are Lots #6441 – #6452. To learn more about the auction, preview , and place a bid on the Lionel Postwar and Prewar Plus standard gauge train sets, visit invaluable.com