Judith Saxton believes success starts with a strong foundation.
As a professional trumpet player and educator, she has spent her life helping others perform at their best. She has played with orchestras around the world, taught at universities, and now shares both music and the Alexander Technique with students in North Carolina. Whether she is helping a musician improve their breathing or encouraging a student to build confidence, Judith believes strong foundations are essential for growth.
Acknowledging another foundation—food—Judith said, "Food is [...] the very core, the very bottom, the fundamental of what makes us great humans." To her, food is more than a basic need; it is the foundation that allows people to learn, grow and become their best selves.
It is that understanding that has led Judith to support Feeding America since 2007 and to include the organization in her legacy plans.
Judith’s commitment to giving was shaped early by her mother, Ada Mae, whose generosity inspired Judith and her siblings to think about the importance of helping others. After reaching a place of financial stability in her own life, Judith knew it was time to begin giving back.
Feeding America was a natural choice. A period of financial strain early in adulthood, combined with experiences living and teaching internationally, deepened Judith's understanding of the challenges that can lead to food insecurity. "I know how the brain is supposed to work,” she said. “We've got to have these meals to be our best selves."
Learning that children in her own community were coming to school without reliable access to food strengthened her commitment. As an educator, she understands the critical role nutrition plays in learning, focus and opportunity.
Judith trusts Feeding America to use her financial gifts responsibly and believes no other organization is better positioned to address hunger across the country. For her, making a legacy gift is a natural extension of her values. And she knows the support she provides has an impact today and will continue helping neighbors into the future, stating, "If I can have a legacy like this with impacts beyond my lifespan, that makes a lot of sense to me."
