June is National Leave a Legacy Month

From top, Backus Legacy Society founding members Sultan Ahamed, MD, Thomas J. Masterson, MD, and Dorothy L. Miller, RN, MA

Many people wonder how they can give back to their community in a meaningful way. One way is by making a bequest to Backus Hospital, a non-profit institution that relies heavily on support from the community.

“Our patients’ care depends on the success of The William W. Backus Hospital,” said Sultan Ahamed, MD, a retired Backus surgeon. “By actively participating in philanthropy through the Backus Foundation, we can continue to ensure that success. Through a charitable trust, I am proud both professionally and personally that I can be a part of the hospital’s future success.”

June is National Leave a Legacy Month. The goal is to raise awareness and to encourage people from all walks of life to have a will and consider a bequest (a gift you designate in your will) to charitable organizations that have meant something to them, such as social services and arts organizations, churches, hospitals and schools.

Through a bequest, you can remember loved ones in special ways, perpetuate your values and help shape the future of healthcare in the community, said Gen Schies, Director of Planned Giving at the Backus Foundation.

You can also become a member of the Backus Legacy Society, which was established to recognize individuals who have made a provision in their will, trust, or other planned giving instrument to leave a gift to the Backus Foundation.

“If you don’t give back to your community, you aren’t really existing, you are just passing through,” said Thomas J. Masterson, MD. Dr. Masterson and his daughters established the Thomas J. Masterson, MD, Endowment to honor his 40 years of service to the community.

More than 80% of Americans contribute to the nonprofit groups of their choice throughout their lifetimes. But according to research conducted in 2000, only around 8% percent of people chose to continue this support through a charitable bequest.

In 2004, only 42% of adults had wills, according to Leave a Legacy, a 5% drop since 2000.

“Although retired, I am proud that through a bequest to the Backus Foundation, I can continue to be a part of the effort to promote and improve the healthcare of our community,” said Dorothy Miller, RN, MA, President of the Backus Alumnae Association.

To receive a free copy of “Your Gift, Your Legacy,” an informational brochure on wills and estate planning, or to discuss the Backus Legacy Society, please contact Ms. Schies at 823-6331.

Backus Legacy Society

  

“Members of the Backus Legacy Society are individuals who have made a provision in their will, trust, or other planned giving instrument to leave a gift to the Backus Foundation. These well-planned gifts help Backus Hospital to continue its mission of improving the health of our community.”

Anonymous (6)
Mr. Seymour & Mrs. Linda Adelman
Dr. & Mrs. Sultan Ahamed
Dr. Ruth M. Anderson *
Ms. Sara M. Belcher *
Mr. Irving * & Mrs. Dorothy Cohen
Dr. Steven & Mrs. Carol Curland
Mr. Keith & Mrs. Nancy Fontaine
Ms. Leona Fuller *
Mr. William & Mrs. Mary Lou Juzwic
Mr. Clifford Karpinski
Dr. Morris Katz
Mr. Sheldon & Mrs. Marcelle Levine

Attorney Anne L. Masterson
Dr. Thomas J. Masterson
Miss Dorothy L. Miller, RN, MA
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Donna Palumbo
Mrs. Elizabeth G. Perkins *
Mr. Harold Ross
Ms. Janet F. Rothwell
Mrs. Grace Sears
Mr. Manfred & Mrs. Carol Seeman
Mr. Wesley & Mrs. Marjorie Sholes *
Miss Eva Virginia Smith *
Mr. Anthony Socha
Dr. Anthony & Mrs. Patricia
Tramontozzi
Ms. Julieta G. Villamoya
Mr. David & Mrs. Tara Whitehead
Ms. Arline Wisnefsky *
Mrs. Lois Zuerner * in memory of
Mr. Hartwell G. Zuerner *
* Deceased

Endowments

  

Endowment funds have built and sustained the Backus Hospital. We are thankful for the following donors whose vision and thoughtfulness help to secure our future.

Ralph Hazler Baer & Laura M. Baer Endowment Fund
Elinor Freeman Murphy Endowment Fund
Dr. Thomas J. Masterson Endowment Fund
Helen Murphy Endowment Fund

Deborah L. Parker Endowment Fund
Harold Ross Institute for Preventative Care
Manfred & Carol Seeman Endowment Fund
Eva Virginia Smith Endowment Fund
Robert E. & Marion C. Smith Endowment Fund
Dr. Anthony & Mrs. Patricia Tramontozzi Endowment Fund