This is a love story that feels like a movie script set in the 1950s. A tall, handsome stranger walks into a Michigan pharmacy with a prescription for his mother. He spies a woman behind the back counter, the most beautiful redhead he has ever seen. The woman is Virginia “Ginny” Hersz. She graduated from college in 1955 with a degree in pharmacy. At the time, less than 5% of the nation’s pharmacists were female, but Ginny was fearless and ready to take on any challenge. When she sees the handsome stranger, she is definitely intrigued.
The man is Gary Albrecht. He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18, and his athletic abilities landed him a spot as a starting pitcher on the Army baseball team. He was later drafted to play for the Chicago White Sox, but decided to go to college after meeting his military commitment. After graduation, he goes to work as an insurance agent. On one fateful day, he walks into a pharmacy.
Gary returns later that day for his mother’s prescription and a determination to meet the beautiful redhead. He speaks to Ginny and the sparks fly. Within two months, they are engaged. For the rest of their lives, they say it was love at first “sights.”
Marriage followed a few months later, and for 60 years the love and mutual respect between Gary and Ginny Albrecht flourished. They raised five children and lived to see the birth of 12 beloved grandchildren. Together, they shared a passion for helping the most vulnerable. Gary passed away in 2019, and Ginny followed in 2020, but their legacy of love and caring for others continues to change lives in Aiken County.
Gary was raised in a modest home and showed astute business skills very early. To help pay for college, he started a chimney sweeping business. He graduated debt-free and sold his business for a profit. He joined an insurance firm even though he had no car, no experience, and no contacts. Despite these limitations, Gary became the company’s top salesman during his first year.
Gary started his own company when he and Ginny had a child on the way. It grew into multiple enterprises known as the Albrecht Companies, which continue to be successful. Gary’s business success is the financial source for the Albrecht Family Charitable Trust and the Albrecht Education Trust.
After marrying, Ginny worked until the birth of her first child. She gave up her career so that she could devote 100% of her time to her family. She was a loving mother and a wonderful cook, but her interests as a homemaker were varied — she became a beekeeper and a Master Gardener and cared for many animals while creating a loving home on the 80-acre farm where their five children thrived.
Joy Albrecht lights up when she speaks of her parents. “All of us knew that our parents loved us very much, but they always put their marriage first.” Joy fondly recalls her father coming home from work and her mother having all of the children go to greet him when he walked in the door. When they sat for dinner, her father always made sure to compliment Ginny on the wonderful meal she prepared. Joy explained, “Their love was very, very strong. They gave each other mutual respect and they grew together. Dad gave her security and Mom instilled in him the love of animals.”
Gary’s father was a foundry worker for Ford Motor Company. It was difficult work, but one that offered the Albrecht family stability during the Great Depression. Gary learned the value of working hard, and he always felt very fortunate to have achieved such success despite his humble background. It was important to him that his children understood fiscal responsibility. Joy said her parents didn’t spoil them with a lot of money. According to Joy, “We were given the basics but if we wanted more, we had to earn it.”
From a young age Gary felt a strong desire give back to those in need, and Ginny agreed. The Albrechts focused their charitable giving on the most vulnerable members of society, both the two-legged and the four-legged variety. They strongly believed that, with access to education, disadvantaged children could reach their potential and break the cycle of poverty. They were equally passionate about the welfare of animals and advocated for their humane treatment.
Gary and Ginny Albrecht moved to Aiken in 2005 to be near two of their daughters, Joy and Gayle, and to enjoy a warmer climate.
Shortly after their arrival, Gary joined the SPCA Board of Directors. New facilities were planned but money was needed, and Gary and Ginny provided substantial funding for the new facilities. Today, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is a state-of-the-art facility where homeless animals receive treatment and loving care while they await their “forever” homes.
During the years they lived in Michigan, the Albrechts funded educational opportunities for minority students at a local elementary school. They paid for basic needs and tuition through college. Upon their move to Aiken, the Albrecht Family Charitable Trust began providing scholarships for K – 12 minority students at Aiken Preparatory School. They also met other young students with limited resources who had a desire to further their education — Gary and Ginny provided the funding to give those students a “hand up,” which literally changed their lives.
In 2017, Gary and Ginny partnered with the Rotary Club of Aiken to expand the number of college scholarships by creating the Albrecht Educational Trust. To date, the trust has provided $250,000 to Aiken County high school seniors through the Rotary Scholarship Program.
Joy Albrecht manages the family trusts, and she said, “It was important to my parents that the students they helped be allowed to choose any course of study to further their education. They partnered with the Rotary Club because they have a strong scholarship program, which draws many qualified applicants. My siblings and I are committed to continue to help disadvantaged young people achieve academic success. We will also continue to provide financial support to the SPCA. It is what our parents wanted.”
Gary and Ginny Albrecht believed everyone can give back to his or her community. Joy said, “My father believed you have to show people anyone can be philanthropic. His philosophy was that giving encourages giving.” He also believed in saying thank you. No matter how small the amount, many SPCA donors received personal phone calls thanking them for their donations but never realized the caller was the man whose name was on the building.
There is a line from a movie that says, “Behind every great love is a great story.” The love story of Gary and Ginny Albrecht is truly a great one. From it comes a commitment to assist young people in our community and to ensure the humane treatment of animals. Perhaps the greatest part of the Albrecht’s love story is the ripple effect it has as it continues to change lives for years to come.
Donations to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare can be made at LetLoveLive.org.
Applications for the 2021 Rotary Scholarships will be accepted beginning February 15, 2021. High School Seniors who live in Area 1 of the Aiken County Public School District or attend an Area 1 school may apply by visiting AikenRotaryClub.com. To obtain Information on how to donate to the 2021 Rotary Scholarships for Area 1 high school seniors, email [email protected].
