Celebrating a Lifetime of Good Works
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In This Issue: 2024 Edition
Philanthropy Impact
Excellent Care Sparks Desire to Give Back
Inspired by excellent care at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, this couple shared a passion for supporting their local healthcare community.
Gift to Help Patient Care in the ICU
A legacy gift to Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital's ICU was made by an Ohio man to express his gratitude for the care he received there before his passing.
Funding Joy One 'Tail' at a Time
A gift to support Cleveland Clinic Children's was inspired by the hospital's facility dogs and the positive impact they have on pediatric patients.
Ways to Give
Following Dad's Advice to Make a Difference for Others
A friend's recommendation led Gene Berman to Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, where he became a grateful patient, committing a significant gift through his estate plans.
Feature
A Second Opinion for a Heart Built for Giving
Bill Wortzman's life-changing second opinion for a heart issue at Cleveland Clinic led to a deep commitment to giving back, inspired by his lifelong dedication to charity.
Gift Planning Insights
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WAYS TO GIVE
Your Legacy Advances the Future of Healthcare
Our experienced Gift Planning team works with you and your advisor to select the donation option that best meets your personal and philanthropic goals. Learn more about the many ways to make a legacy gift on our Gift Planning website.
VISIT webSITE
Charitable Giving
Sharing Your Gift Intentions: Top 5 Myths BUSTED
Here are our top five myth busters that explain why sharing your gift intentions can help us ensure that your legacy gift makes the most impact.
Tax Planning
Sunsetting of Estate Taxes
Learn about how you can maximize current exemption limits, ensuring more of your wealth goes to the causes that are near and dear to your heart.
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The Pyramid Legacy Society honors those who have made planned gifts to Cleveland Clinic, expressing deep gratitude for their commitment to advancing medicine and inspiring others to support our mission of the highest-quality patient care, research and education.
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Cleveland Clinic’s future Neurological Institute will feature the most advanced technology and house care teams in various neuroscience subspecialties to enable a new level of clinical collaboration and individualized treatment planning, including expanded digital distance health services to reach tens of thousands of patients dealing with neurological disorders.
Donor generosity has helped develop Cleveland Clinic's art collection.
Bob Weissman Honored With 2024 Crile Award
2024 Edition
FInancial, estate and gift planning insights
The Pyramid Legacy Society honors and shows appreciation for our friends and supporters whose commitment to the future of medicine has led them to create planned gifts to Cleveland Clinic.
Learn more
9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2024 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved.
Legacy Giving
Estate Gift Fuels AI-Powered Heart Research
Grateful for decades of heart care, Bob Skerker made an estate gift to Cleveland Clinic to advance cardiovascular research using AI.
WayS to Give
A Heartfelt Gift for a Healed Heart
After overcoming a major health crisis, Mark Brookshire and his wife, Kathy, were grateful for the lifesaving care he received at Cleveland Clinic. Their generous gift made them a part of the Pyramid Legacy Society.
A Gift to Enhance Autism Care
Inspired by the care offered at Cleveland Clinic's Center for Autism, John and Beverly Ann Kovach made an estate gift supporting autism research, in honor of their grandson who has autism.
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Celebrating a Lifetime of Good Works
Earlier this year, he had the opportunity to tour the cancer center with Kelley Kozma, DO, the new Cancer Center Director, and Darlene Gabeau, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. Weissman was so inspired by their vision to elevate cancer care in the community that he decided to make a gift of $1 million to kickstart a new campaign to renovate the third floor of the cancer center. “The region is growing quickly, and the population is aging—two forces increasing the demand for cancer care,” says Dr. Kozma. “Bob’s generous gift will help us improve access to care while allowing Cleveland Clinic to enhance the services we provide our patients.” The $8 million renovation entails tripling the infusion suite capacity and more than doubling the number of exam rooms. Dedicated space also will be created for additional support services, including an area for yoga classes and a wig boutique. “Cleveland Clinic’s decision to renovate the third floor of the cancer center is very much needed and will greatly benefit our community,” adds Weissman. “I am delighted to help support this important endeavor and hope others will step up and contribute to the renovation campaign.”
Jones Artz hosts the Front Yard Players talent revue and fashion extravaganza in her yard each summer.
"I don’t know what we would have done without Cleveland Clinic’s leadership and resources. I’m proud to support the organization and its ongoing efforts to advance healthcare in the region.”
Philanthropist Robert “Bob” Weissman has spent much of his life trying to do as much good for as many people as he can. This pursuit still drives the 89-year-old Palm City, Florida, resident, who was selected as the 2024 recipient of Cleveland Clinic’s George W. Crile Sr., MD, Award, named for one of Cleveland Clinic’s four founders and presented annually by the Pyramid Legacy Society. The annual award recognizes extraordinary service, long-standing generosity and a legacy of commitment to Cleveland Clinic. Weissman grew up in Massachusetts and served in the U.S. Navy before graduating from Boston University. With his brother, he owned Robert Allen Fabrics, a well-known designer and decorator fabric group headquartered in Boston. A successful career in business allowed Weissman to be generous with his time and resources, especially since retiring in 1997. As a result, many organizations and individuals have benefited from his good works over the years and continue to do so today, including Cleveland Clinic Martin Health in Stuart, Florida. “Cleveland Clinic has been a wonderful addition to our community,” says Weissman, pointing to the significant improvements he has seen since Martin Health joined Cleveland Clinic in 2019.He also notes the major role the health system played during the COVID-19 pandemic and the outstanding care he received when being treated for pneumonia and two bouts with the coronavirus. “I don’t know what we would have done without Cleveland Clinic’s leadership and resources,” he reflects. “I’m proud to support the organization and their ongoing efforts to advance healthcare in the region.” While pleased to receive the Crile Award, Weissman knows in his heart that it is an honor he shares with another. For more than three decades, he was joined in his philanthropic pursuits by his wife, Carol, who passed away in 2023. The professed soulmates met in New Hampshire and were married in 1989, creating a blended family that today consists of seven children, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Early in their marriage, the couple purchased a home in Florida and proceeded to divide their time between the Sunshine State and New England. “It was always important to me and Carol that we support local organizations and help strengthen the communities we call home,” says Weissman. Starting with their first gift in 1996, they contributed to many Martin Health fundraising campaigns and initiatives over the years. They supported emergency department renovations at Martin North Hospital, the building of Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie, and several investments in new technology. In addition, Weissman served on the Martin Health Foundation Board of Directors for several years and continues in an advisory role as director emeritus for the Cleveland Clinic Martin Health Foundation. The couple was also among the original members of the Barstow-Reed Society, a group founded in 2003 and dedicated to the advancement of Martin Health. Notably, the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Health was named in honor of their $2 million gift in 2003, the largest gift in the health system’s history at the time. “All families are impacted by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly, so supporting cancer care at Martin Health was one way Carol and I could help a lot of people,” explains Weissman.
— bob weissman, 2024 crile award recipient
Past Crile Award Winners
Named for one of the four founders of Cleveland Clinic, the George W. Crile, Sr. Award recognizes extraordinary service, long-standing generosity and a legacy commitment to Cleveland Clinic. Known for his imagination, creativity and innovation, Dr. Crile was a driving force behind the medical excellence that continues at Cleveland Clinic today.
A patient receives care at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center in Stuart, Florida.
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9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2023 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved.
Recipients of the George W. Crile, Sr. Award
2003 Melvin H. Burkhardt* 2004 Jack J. Belcher 2004 E. Bruce* and Virginia R.* Chaney 2005 Josephine Haywood* 2006 Rose Mary Kubik* 2007 Howard* and Marjorie* Fosler 2008 Chuck Clark* 2009 Tom Kay* 2010 Margaret Whittemore 2011 Audrey* and Hubert* Kleasen 2012 Joan Repp* 2013 Richard T.* and Marjorie E.* Garrett
2014 Bertram* and Alice* Lefkowich 2015 Norma and Albert* Geller 2016 Mark Maynard 2017 Susan Coyne* 2018 Salma and Sam Gibara 2019 David and Jan* Logsdon 2020 Paul Offutt 2021 Carole and Robert Hartless 2022 Jeanette Grasselli Brown 2023 Jan P. Jones Artz and Dr. Sheldon "Shelly" Artz* 2024 Robert “Bob” and Carol* Weissman
*Deceased
new 2024 pyramid members
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Pyramid Legacy Society
"When an estate planning attorney consults with a client who displays charitable intentions, it is the attorney’s duty to discuss potential gift options. For many clients, there is no better place to make a difference than Cleveland Clinic, working with the Gift Planning Team.”
The Pyramid Legacy Society honors friends, patients and alumni who include Cleveland Clinic as part of their legacy. Our Legacy Society members support Cleveland Clinic through gifts in wills or trusts; life-income gifts like annuities or charitable remainder trusts; lead trusts; naming Cleveland Clinic as a beneficiary of life insurance policies or retirement plans; or making estate-backed pledges. We are deeply grateful to our Pyramid Legacy Society members, whose generosity helps transform healthcare for future generations. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and communities we serve.
— Robert J. Bux, Attorney at Law Williams and Batchelder
In 2003, the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health was named in honor of the Weissmans following their $2 million gift. “All families are impacted by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly, so supporting cancer care at Martin Health was one way Carol and I could help a lot of people.” — Bob Weissman, 2024 Crile Award Recipient
The Pyramid Legacy Society honors those who have made planned gifts to Cleveland Clinic, expressing deep gratitude for their commitment to advancing medicine and inspiring others to support our mission of the highest-quality patient care, research, and education.
Reach Out
VISIT US ONLINE give.ccf.org
CONTACT Call us: 800.223.2273 Ext. 41245 or 216.444.1245
Be sure to check out our Cleveland Clinic Magazine online at magazine.clevelandclinic.org
Email us: giftplanning@ccf.org
Richard E. “Dick” Adcock* David E. and Wendy Barensfeld Jonathan and Patti Berns Amal Biswas* Raymond and Suzi Bucklin Frank E. Bunts II Michael J. Buxser Carolyn Capuano Jeffrey D. Carmichael Marie S. Conforti Mary Beth T. Reymann Conroy* Adam H. and Sally DeFrancesco Marilyn Dennison* Jeffrey Desich Matthew P. Dillon Alexandra Doks* Gary H. Dworkin, MD William Michael Earley Charis Eng, MD, PhD* Margaret “Peg” Fye* Michael A. Goldblatt Karl W.* and Marilyn L. Greene* Theresa W. Long and Emil L. Hanzevack Michelle and Corey Harris Terry and Cheryl Holden Joseph A. Hollingsworth Jr. Thomas and Patricia Huntsinger Christopher “Mike” Michael Jaynes* Ross Glenn Jordan Jr.* Steven Kahre Douglas and Mary Kay Keith Vas Kodali John E. Kovach Karin and Michael Kuta Peter B. Lake and Sally H. Lake Isaac Lapciuc and Ariel Baron-Robbins Brian F. and Janel K. Lapworth Julien “Lash” McCall Jr.
Warren “Alan” and Jessie McCollough Thomas F. and Nancy C. McGuire Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Mowry Martha W. Murphy Jennifer and Alex Newman Family Lenore F. Oscar* Marilyn Niermann Owens John “Bob” Page Rich and Jill Piasecki Cynthia A. Prior John R. and Patricia A. Roberson Lola Ross* Roger and Carole Sahni Lawrence Schwartz and Katherine Nicholls Mim and Joe Schwartzel Dr. Alan H. Segal* William Semenik* and Eleanor Veverka-Semenik Faye O. Sibila* Eric R. Sisser John and Laura Skaarup Bob Skerker Louis F. and Linda A. Slangen Ann Richardson Smith* Dennis A. and Joyce Elaine Stell Mark Alan Stephan* Mary T. Stoller and James K. Stoller, MD Douglas M. and Susanne M. Sweeny Clifford Tekel George W. Turner, DDS* Stephen J. Walling Donald E. West David C. and Mary Rosetta Wilcox Wendy Willey* Phillip D. Williams* Robin Evans Williams*
Bruce R. Abernathy, Jr. Bruce R. Abernathy Jr., PA Dana M. Apfelbaum, Esq. Dean Mead Minton & Moore Kathryn F. Barton, CPA, CFP Offutt Barton Schlitt CPAs Brandon A. Borgmann, Esq. Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP J. Vincent Boyle, CPA Morgan, Jacoby, Thurn, Boyle & Associates, PA Garrick Cashatt Raymond James – The Kanner Group Susan Chenault Northern Trust Marie S. Conforti, Esq. Law Offices of Marie S. Conforti P. Ross Cotherman II, CPA Rehmann Brian J. Elwell, CPA Kmetz, Elwell, Graham, CPAs Rebecca F. Emmons, Esq. Rossway Swan Patrick Alan Farrah, Esq. Wilmington Trust NA Todd W. Fennell, Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA Michael J. Garavaglia, Esq. Collins Brown Barkett, Chartered Glenn Grevengoed, Esq. Glenn Grevengoed, PA Anthony P. Guettler Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA
Cleveland Clinic Allied Partners in Philanthropy 2023
New members of Allied Partners in Philanthropy are welcomed for helping clients establish philanthropic gifts to Cleveland Clinic. A special welcome for our new members representing Cleveland Clinic Indian River.
Troy B. Hafner, Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA Todd Heckman Estate Planning Advisors Beckett C. Horner Block & Scarpa Mike Kanner Raymond James – The Kanner Group William N. Kirk, Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA Michael L. Kmetz, CPA, PFS Kmetz, Elwell, Graham, CPAs Keith Lambert Raymond James – The Kanner Group Justin K. Larson, Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA E. Steven Lauer, Esq. E. Steven Lauer, PA Ronald Keith Lawn, JD, LLM Lawn & LeBlanc, Attorneys at Law Stephanie M. LeBlanc, JD, LLM Lawn & LeBlanc, Attorneys at Law Thomas C. Lee, Esq. Gunster Lawrence Y. Leonard, Esq. Campione, Campione & Leonard, PA Robin A. Lloyd Sr., JD Robin Lloyd & Associates Melissa Medlock, CPA Melissa Medlock, CPA, PA John E. Moore, III Dean Mead Minton & Moore
Scott Nuttall Nuttall, Donini & Associates CPAs David L. Osgood, AWMA Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Jennifer D. Peshke, Esq. Law Offices of Jennifer D. Peshke, PA Dean C. Phillips, AAMS Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Dillon L. Roberts, Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA Matthew Rundels Northern Trust William F. Schlitt, CPA Offutt Barton Schlitt CPAs Brian M. Shambo, CFP Merrill Lynch – Shambo, Schwibner & Associates Jeffrey J. Spina-Jennings, Esq. Gould Cooksey Fennell, PA William J. Stewart, Esq. Rossway Swan Michael J. Swan, Esq. Rossway Swan Andrea B. Thurn, CPA Morgan, Jacoby, Thurn, Boyle & Associates, PA Sue Tompkins Warren Capital Management David H. Walker, CFP Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Mark C. White, Esq. Andrew W. Williams Colton, Williams, & Reamy CPAs
A legacy gift to Cleveland Clinic Florida will help South Florida residents for years to come
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> A Heartfelt Gift for a Healed Heart
In recognition of Berman’s planned gift, Cleveland Clinic celebrated the dedication of the Gene A. Berman Lobby in Weston Hospital’s emergency department and welcomed him as a member of the 1921 Society and the Pyramid Legacy Society. “My mother was a volunteer with many organizations when I was growing up and was always sought out for leadership positions,” recalls Berman. “My father was a decorated World War II veteran and loved to volunteer at the veterans hospital in Long Beach after he retired.” Their example has lived on through their son. “As my father was fond of saying, ‘Any day I can wake up and do something nice for others is a good day’ — a philosophy we should all subscribe to,” says Berman.
Gene Berman, third from left, celebrates his planned gift with the dedication of the Gene A. Berman Lobby in Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital’s emergency department in 2023.
"Blended giving provides our clients a lot of flexibility in how they choose to support organizations. Gene appreciated being able to provide both immediate and future financial support through his donor-advised fund, and the Gift Planning Team at Cleveland Clinic made it such an easy process.”
Mark Brookshire has always enjoyed an active lifestyle: golf, running, cycling and playing tennis. He had lived with a heart murmur since his mid-20s, which eventually led him to a mitral valve repair surgery in his late 30s. Despite this, Mark maintained an athletic schedule until life came to a screeching halt about four years ago. While the world was experiencing a disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark began to experience a significant disruption in his health. The Atlanta-based entrepreneur was enjoying life in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with his wife, Kathy, when one day, while walking on the beach, he experienced a small stroke. He dismissed it, but within two weeks, he had two more. The first stroke numbed his leg. The second left his entire left side numb for 30 minutes, followed by a third stroke an hour later, rendering him unable to stand. Kathy called 911, and thus began Mark’s difficult medical journey. Mark visited a hospital in Hilton Head multiple times, but doctors could not pinpoint the problem. Frustrated and worried, Mark and Kathy sought help at another hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. After several referrals and extensive testing that revealed no explanation for the frequent strokes, Mark decided to contact his doctor in Atlanta, who had performed his heart surgery 18 years prior. The doctor in Atlanta suspected Mark’s heart was the issue and referred him to Cleveland Clinic. “I arrived at Cleveland Clinic in January 2022, and I immediately went to see infectious disease specialists and neurologists, and they each spent hours with me,” says Mark. “They both suggested that I had endocarditis, a term I had never heard before.” Further tests from his cardiologist, Bo Xu, MD, confirmed the diagnosis, and Mark was hospitalized immediately as he awaited surgery. Kathy, who had spent the previous months observing Mark’s rapid decline, recalled how difficult it was to see her husband, once a marathon runner, struggle to walk through the hospital’s lobby to his many appointments. “I called it the ‘frog in the boiling water’ because Mark was declining so fast, but I don’t think he realized how much sicker he was every day,” Kathy says. Despite these numerous challenges, which included 19 days in the hospital followed by rigorous cardiac rehabilitation, Mark returned to his beloved activities, like cycling and golf, within a few months. While he doesn’t plan to run a marathon again, he says he’s feeling 99% better, and he’s enjoying life with Kathy and his daughters, Kelli and Sydney. The experience left Mark and Kathy profoundly grateful to Cleveland Clinic. To show their appreciation for the high level of care and human touch they received from Mark’s care team, which includes Dr. Xu, David Martin, MD, Thomas Fraser, MD, and his surgeon, Kevin Hodges, MD, formerly of Cleveland Clinic, they made a blended gift and became members of Cleveland Clinic’s Pyramid Legacy Society. “They just knew that we needed a comfort level of some humor, but also some TLC after all that had happened,” says Mark. “Everybody in Cleveland was so professional and so caring that we had complete confidence in everybody that we met; we knew that we had to give back and be on the right side of history because these are the people that have devoted their whole lives to helping others.”
— Lisa A. Spada, CFP(R), CRPC(R) Senior financial advisor, Senior vice president, Investment officer Wells Fargo Advisors
Maximizing Your Impact: the Power of Blended Charitable Gifts
HOW DOES IT WORK? A blended gift combines a current, outright gift with a planned gift, such as through a will, charitable trust or charitable gift annuity. The former benefits both you and Cleveland Clinic today, while the latter offers both current and future benefits. Blended gifts allow you to see the impact of your giving today while supporting Cleveland Clinic’s mission in the future. For example, a planned gift can be added to your annual gifts of cash or stock, increasing the impact of your giving. It also provides greater tax savings and preserves wealth for you and your family. WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES? Consider using appreciated stock held for more than a year. A portion can go toward a gift now, and the rest can establish a charitable gift annuity. You’ll enjoy charitable deductions for both gifts, receive guaranteed income for life and support lifesaving research. Many people also use required annual distributions from an IRA. If you are 70½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, you can name Cleveland Clinic as a beneficiary of your IRA, which has tax advantages. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Blended gifts maximize the benefits of your generosity. By combining current and planned gifts, you can have a vital impact on Cleveland Clinic programs while ensuring your legacy lives on. Your contributions will support medical research, patient care and community health initiatives. Blended gifts offer flexibility and can be tailored to fit your financial situation and philanthropic goals. Cleveland Clinic’s Gift Planning Team will help you explore options and find the perfect blend that aligns with your vision. Your generosity today, combined with a planned gift, will sustain our mission for generations.
Mark and Kathy Brookshire with their daughters, Kelli and Sydney
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Estate Gift Fuels AI-Powered Heart Research
W.H. Wilson Tang, MD in his research lab.
In 1994, Bob Skerker experienced chest pain during a business trip in China and underwent a procedure to clear a blocked artery. Returning to his hometown of Buffalo, New York, he sought further care at Cleveland Clinic with Fred Heupler, MD, who had treated his father for heart-related issues in the mid-1970s. Dr. Heupler prescribed a regimen of lifestyle changes to avoid any future health scares. “I remember he told me that I was still very young and could live a long and productive life with the right changes,” Skerker remembers. “He was never threatening in the way he communicated. Something about his calm, professional demeanor inspired confidence. I came to have a lot of faith in his ability and judgment.” Following more heart care from Dr. Heupler, including stents and coronary bypass surgery, the two became friends. Inspired by Dr. Heupler’s passion for technology in cardiac care, Skerker made an estate gift to Cleveland Clinic’s Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute to support cardiovascular research using AI and machine learning. “This gift is in honor of Fred,” Skerker says. “It is because of what he has done for me and my family, as well as thousands of other patients, that I am motivated to give back. AI will constantly be tweaked and improved, accelerating innovation. In the right hands, this technology will improve the lives of countless patients like me.”
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Estate Gift Fuels AI-Powered...
A Gift to Advance Autism Care
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> A Gift to Advance Autism Care
John Kovach’s connection with Cleveland Clinic began when he was 12 years old, when a scare over a lump under his arm thankfully turned out to be nothing more than a bacterial infection. “So, my mother said, ‘We’d better go to the No. 1 place, Cleveland Clinic,’” Kovach remembered. Kovach’s next encounter with Cleveland Clinic came decades later, when he was diagnosed and treated for atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the heart’s upper chambers. He underwent a successful ablation that destroyed the rhythm disturbance and has been able to manage his AFib since. At 81, Kovach is proud of his family and grateful for the care he received at Cleveland Clinic. He decided to include Cleveland Clinic in his estate plan with his wife, Beverly Ann, a former psychiatric care nurse. The couple’s most recent gift to Cleveland Clinic was made in honor of one of their five grandchildren, Jacob, who has autism. “Jacob is very intelligent and precise,” John shared, "and he loves airplanes. He can identify all the aircraft that land at SFO (San Francisco International Airport); EVA Air is his favorite.” Their gift supports Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Autism, which provides comprehensive care and research. John hopes for advancements in autism understanding and care, aiming for a future where those with autism can lead purposeful lives with care and support.
A young patient interacts with a caregiver at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Autism.
Making a legacy gift to Cleveland Clinic is a meaningful and accessible way to leave a lasting impact, but you may have heard several myths about whether it is a good idea to share your intentions. Here are our top five myth busters that explain why sharing your intentions can help our team ensure that your gift intentions are fulfilled to make the most impact.
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Sharing Your Gift Intentions: Top 5 Myths BUSTED
MYTH #1: Legacy gifts are complicated and time-consuming to arrange. **BUSTED! A bequest, the most common form of legacy gift, is quite simple. It involves naming Cleveland Clinic in your will or trust or as a beneficiary on assets like life insurance policies or retirement accounts. With the help of your attorney or tax advisor, this process can be straightforward and customized to your wishes. MYTH #2: I need to donate a considerable sum to make a difference. **BUSTED! You can leave any amount through a bequest, whether it is a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or the remainder after other bequests. Every gift, regardless of size, contributes to supporting vital programs and initiatives at Cleveland Clinic. MYTH #3: I must choose between providing for my family and making a charitable gift. **BUSTED! You can do both. Many people choose to make specific or percentage bequests to their loved ones and then designate Cleveland Clinic as the recipient of any remaining assets. This ensures your family is cared for while supporting a cause that is important to you. MYTH #4: I do not need to inform Cleveland Clinic about my bequest. **BUSTED! Sharing your intentions with Cleveland Clinic is beneficial. It allows us to understand and honor your wishes and gives you recognition during your lifetime. Additionally, it opens a line of communication that can help you stay informed about new developments and align your gift with emerging priorities. MYTH #5: My personal information will not be kept confidential. **BUSTED! Cleveland Clinic takes confidentiality seriously. Any information you share regarding your gift intentions is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with other institutions, ensuring your privacy is protected.
Questions about designating Cleveland Clinic as a beneficiary?
Check with your legal or financial advisor or call Cleveland Clinic’s Gift Planning Team to see if this gift vehicle is right for you and your family. We are available to assist you with a gift to Cleveland Clinic to support any aspect of our mission to care for life, research for health and educate those who serve. Call 216.444.1245 or email to giftplanning@ccf.org.
See the latest stories of how Giving Does Good at Cleveland Clinic and learn about the many ways to give and how you can make a difference in helping us transform the future of healthcare for our patients and our communities.
Check out our new Giving website!
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Sharing Your Gift Intentions...
Pyramid 2024 Newsletter >> Sunsetting of Estate Taxes
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s important to be aware of significant changes regarding estate taxes on the horizon. Currently, the estate tax exemption is historically high, allowing substantial wealth transfers without federal estate taxes. However, this exemption will decrease in 2026, reducing the tax-free amount. This change presents a unique charitable planning opportunity. By making substantial gifts now, you can maximize current exemption limits. Donating to Cleveland Clinic supports critical medical research and patient care while providing significant tax benefits. These gifts can reduce the taxable portion of your estate, ensuring more of your wealth goes to the causes that are near and dear to your heart. For more information on how you can take advantage of the current estate tax exemption, call 216.444.1245 or email giftplanning@ccf.org.
Tax Planning Pro-Tip
We Can Help You Create Your Legacy
Pyramid 2023 Newsletter >> We Can Help You Create Your Legacy
Cleveland Clinic continues to exceed expectations as one of the world’s top hospitals. Through patient-centered care and a focus on research, our dedicated experts provide the highest-quality care to ensure excellent outcomes. We are grateful for our patients, supporters and caregivers throughout Cleveland Clinic’s worldwide enterprise who continue to make Cleveland Clinic the best place to receive care anywhere and the best place to work in healthcare. Cleveland Clinic’s Gift Planning Team can help you explore charitable giving options that make a lasting impact at Cleveland Clinic in an efficient and beneficial way for you and your family.
See the latest stories of how Giving Does Good at Cleveland Clinic and learn about the many ways to give. You can make a difference in helping us transform the future of healthcare for our patients and our communities.
Get Inspired
2023 Edition
Pyramid 2023 Newsletter >> We Can Help to Create Your Legacy
Pyramid 2023 Newsletter >> Excellent Care Sparks Desire to Give Back
Former New York resident Emilie Brady and her late husband, John, have a long history of contributing to their community through volunteer work and philanthropy. Their support of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital was inspired by a visit to its emergency department more than 20 years ago after John suffered an allergic reaction from a bug bite. “The caregivers took such fantastic care of him that I thought, ‘I want to get involved with this hospital,’” said Mrs. Brady. Mrs. Brady joined the hospital’s volunteer organization and became its membership chair. Likewise, after his retirement in 1993, Mr. Brady donated his time to several organizations including the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department and Habitat for Humanity before his passing on August 16, 2023. In addition to the Bradys’ shared passion for volunteer work, they decided to contribute to Indian River Hospital’s mission through charitable gift annuities. Since 2012, the Bradys have given six charitable gift annuities to the Indian River Hospital Foundation. “We give from our heart,” said Mr. Brady. “It’s important to support your local hospital because donations allow the hospital to grow and attract the best doctors. Best of all, the whole community can reap the benefits of receiving quality care.”
Funding Joy One ‘Tail’ at a Time
Pyramid 2023 Newsletter >> Funding Joy One 'Tail' at a Time
Through a blended gift — a combination of a current gift and a legacy gift — to Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Gerry and Diane Wendel have been able to share their passion for finding creative ways to improve the lives of children. Most recently, during a stay at Cleveland Clinic, the Wendels met Kid and Trotter, Cleveland Clinic Children’s golden retriever facility dogs. “It was love at first sight,” said Diane. Upon seeing the joy the dogs brought to the kids receiving treatment, they decided to contribute to the facility dog program too. "A child who is going through an infusion sitting and petting a beautiful golden retriever and as a result not being concerned so much about the infusion — you can see that result,” Gerry said. “You can see that you’re making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s where we get the most joy. A true act of giving is to be able to give and ask for nothing in return but that joy.”
