It is often debated which has a larger impact on a person’s upbringing and predisposition: nature or nurture? Is it genes and your family’s legacy that molds you? Or is it the values and tenets upon which you’re raised? For Ellie Ziegler, the answer is simple: it was both.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Ziegler (nee Glazer) was the granddaughter of Ellis I. Levitt who founded the first Boys & Girls Club in Iowa. Her mother, Maddie Levitt served as the national chair for two separate campaigns that raised millions in support of the local Drake University. Giving back was in her genes, and even with such a high expectation to give, Ellie managed to shatter all expectations as one of the most prolific philanthropists the Valley has seen.