Legacy Society member story

Mary Pat and Joe Hartnett

“We all have something to share, not always money, but we all can share.”

Mary Pat and Joe Hartnett are members of the Upstate Legacy Society, which was established as a tribute to donors who have included the Upstate Foundation in their estate plans. Their legacy gift will blossom and grow in the healing garden at the Upstate Cancer Center. In the meantime, they created the Mary Pat and Joe Hartnett Family Fund to renovate the healing garden and help with its upkeep, beyond what the Upstate budget provides.

Mary Pat was a nurse at Upstate University Hospital for 27 years and is now retired.

“I loved working at Upstate,” Mary Pat said. “People do not realize how great Upstate is! I enjoyed all my years there…the work, the people. Many friendships were developed.”

Mary Pat explained her interest in the healing garden. “I used to work with many oncology patients, and I knew what the healing garden could be for them, and for other patients and staff as well. Every week, I would walk by it, and thought it looked neglected. I knew it could look better, and commented on it often.”

When Mary Pat and Joe met with their estate planning attorney, they inquired about leaving a legacy gift that would help with long-term beautification projects and provide enhancements that are not part of routine maintenance. It was their attorney who suggested Mary Pat and Joe make a major gift to renovate the healing garden and support its upkeep in the short term.

“Our lawyer asked what we were waiting for and recommended we make the call,” Mary Pat said. “I actually laughed because what was I waiting for? I made the call the next day!”

Joe was not surprised that she wanted to give money both now and in the future to benefit the healing garden. “She talked about it often when she was working and continued to talk about it after she retired.”

Both Mary Pat and Joe view their philanthropy as a way to sharewith their children and grandchildren the importance of serving the greater community. Mary Pat was influenced by he rmother who taught that people should channel kindness to others.

“We take so much enjoyment from this, and are a bit uncomfortable sharing this, as it is not our nature. But we all have something to share, not always money, but we all can share,” Joe added.

For more information about ways to create your own personal Legacy, contact your financial advisor or call the Upstate Foundation, 315-464-4416. 

I feel so blessed to be able to leave a legacy.

“Leaving a legacy is something I always wanted to do, to be able to give back to special needs youth in our community. I’m inspired by my grandchildren.”

Read more…

 

 

I've thought a log about the impact of my career…

“I want to feel that I’ve made a difference and having played an important role in the Rural Medical Scholars Program, it truly is the legacy of my career.”

Read more…

 

 

Annual Donor, Major Donor, Legacy Donor

“The Upstate Foundation has been a great partner to help us promote our mission,” Chris said. “I’m sure we would not be as successful as we are today if it weren’t for the assistance of the Foundation.”

Read more…

 

 

Taking the long view of wellness…

“The Foundation helps me accomplish what's needed to carry out my personal vision and priorities,” Dr. Kohman explained. It is vision that prompted her to make a legacy gift, recognizing that Upstate is going to have needs long after her service has ended. She has donated a life insurance policy, designating the Upstate Foundation as its beneficiary, which she hopes will inspire others.

Read more…

 

 

“I would encourage anybody who wants to make a charitable gift to have that conversation.”

For Iris Buczkowski, whose oldest daughter is autistic, the new Golisano Center for Special Needs at Upstate Medical University was a life changer. So much so, in fact, Iris and her family decided to leave a legacy gift to the center through the Upstate Foundation… “They made giving very, very easy because the team has a collective approach,” Iris explained.

Read more…

 

 

“If you have a spark to do something that’s bigger than yourself… say yes to that impulse. Say yes to life.”

“It feels like there is a sense of peace, and it feels humbling, because this is something that will be happening after I leave this world,” said Daniel. “If you have a spark to do something that’s bigger than yourself, this is a wonderful avenue for it. And I would recommend it for anybody. Say yes to that impulse. Say yes to life.”
Read more…

 

 

 

“It’s very gratifying… knowing we will continue to help young people with mental health issues.

“I think Corey would be extremely proud of us,” said Lisa. “I can’t tell you how many people reached out to us after the fact and told us she was always there for them.”
Read more…

 

 

 

“It’s a way to help make sure others have the same positive experience you’ve had.”

“Dr. Wright was like an angel on earth,” said Dick. “When Priscilla was hospitalized, I was so impressed by the care that he, and every nurse and orderly showed not only to Priscilla and me, but all patients and families on the oncology floor. Even though Priscilla was going through a traumatic time, it was joyous how everyone was treated like family. I still get emotional about it even today.”
Read more…

 

 

 

 

“We’ve been blessed. There’s no question.” 

They consider themselves blessed. That is why Dr. Frederick “Fritz” Parker and his wife Ginny included the Upstate Foundation in their estate plans.
Read more…

 

 

“I want to invest in the lives and health of children.”  

It’s no wonder, then, that Dr. Victoria Meguid – who has been a powerful force for pediatric care at Upstate Medical University since 1992 – has made the Upstate Foundation a beneficiary of her retirement plan.
Read more…

 

 

 

 

“It never hurts to pay it forward. I like being part of the Upstate Foundation.”

While listening to a local television station in 2005, Shirley Florczyk  heard about a motorcycle ride supporting Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. She sent in a gift and ended up connecting with Toni Gary, assistant vice president for development for the Children’s Hospital… the beginning of a wonderful relationship for both women.
Read more…

 

 

Charitable gift annuity benefits both donors and Upstate  

“It’s terrific! You can have your cake and eat it, too.” This is how Dr. Michael Ratner and his wife Rissa describe their latest philanthropic endeavor – a charitable gift annuity through the Upstate Foundation.

Read more…

 

 

 

 

Legacy gift reflects love for community

A legacy gift as part of Jim and Ceme Curley’s estate plan is just one more step in an enduring relationship with the Upstate Foundation. 

Read more…