Jeff and Brandee Ambrosia: Building a Legacy of Giving in Placer County

When Jeff and Brandee Ambrosia talk about Auburn, it is clear that the community is a place that is truly home, woven into their family story and their vision for the future.

Jeff came to Auburn in the early 1990s to work for Ray Yamasaki and eventually bought the business from him in 1999. That experience opened Jeff’s eyes to philanthropy and the responsibility that comes with running a successful company. Today, the Ambrosias’ two daughters and grandchildren also live in Auburn, continuing the family’s deep ties to the area. Jeff is a past president of the Rotary Club of Auburn and serves on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Placer County, where he sees firsthand how community support shapes lives.

For Brandee, raising a family in Auburn meant jumping in with both feet. She was active in the Robalos swim team, parent-teacher clubs, American Association of University Women and later the Rotary Club of Auburn. Community service wasn’t just something she and Jeff did on their own; it was a family activity. Their children grew up involved with Relay for Life, American Cancer Society events, and every Rotary project that came along. When Big Day of Giving launched, the Ambrosias gathered their kids to talk through which causes to support. “It was almost like Monopoly money,” Brandee laughed, describing how they shifted charitable support as their children’s interests grew.

That commitment to community is why Jeff and Brandee chose to make Placer Community Foundation (PCF) part of their estate plan. They see PCF as a way to ensure their giving continues for generations while allowing their children to take part in choosing which causes to support. “PCF is the perfect fit for planned giving,” Jeff said. “They have grassroots credibility combined with professional financial expertise, and they guide people wisely.”

For the Ambrosias, the Rotary Club of Auburn is one of the organizations that will always be close to their hearts. The club’s projects have touched on countless lives in Auburn and built a strong sense of community spirit. But they also know that needs evolve over time, which is why they value PCF’s flexibility. Donors can update which nonprofits benefit from their fund without rewriting a trust. “That adaptability is huge,” Brandee said. “PCF makes it so easy.”

Working with PCF, Jeff and Brandee said, brought clarity and confidence to their estate planning. “Setting it up was easier and clearer than even the advice we received from the attorney writing the trust,” Brandee said. “There was zero pressure, just understanding and guidance.”

Jeff added, “We’re excited to practice this model of charitable giving through the foundation.” It’s laying the groundwork for our kids to continue giving in the future.”

As Placer County continues to grow and evolve, the Ambrosias believe Auburn is maturing culturally and artistically in ways that enhance the community’s character. They are proud to play a role in that growth and to leave a lasting mark through their planned gift with PCF.

Their message to others considering a legacy gift is simple: PCF is a trusted partner. The foundation has the local knowledge, integrity, and financial expertise to make charitable giving seamless and meaningful.

“We’ve invested our lives here,” Jeff said. “And with PCF, we know our giving will make a difference far into the future.”