Helping Us Stay Strong Now and In the Future
Like many local residents who count on their community hospital for health care, trustee Laura Hilderley and her husband Dave realized soon after moving to Rhode Island how valuable a community hospital was for many of life’s events. As a result of their gifts, Laura and Dave became members of Kent's 1951 Society. Laura describes it, “Kent was there to celebrate with us in the joy of our daughter’s birth, and to support us in the grief of our son’s death.” They readily recognized the importance of ensuring that Kent remains a vital resource for central Rhode Island now and into the future by giving back to the hospital.
According to Laura, it was easy to say "yes" to giving back to Kent in her many roles at the hospital, including as a Foundation board member and chairperson of the Planned and Special Gifts Committee. As Kent grew and expanded its service area, Laura became more involved, reinforcing her belief that “it takes everyone's support to ensure that Kent Hospital is here for the future.”
Yet giving back can encompass many things and, as Laura acknowledges it can be more than just a “feel good” experience. She notes, “Sharing what you have, whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, is simply the right thing to do.”
It is not surprising that Laura and Dave have already moved forward with planned gifts for Kent Hospital as part of their estate plans. She explains, “It is one way that you can help to assure that the hospital is here for future generations, while allowing you to achieve your financial, philanthropic, and estate planning goals.”
As a result of their gifts, Laura and Dave became Founding Members of Kent Hospital’s 1951 Society. Named in honor of the year of the hospital’s opening, the 1951 Society can offer tax and income benefits and allow one’s legacy to live on while ensuring the hospital’s vitality for future generations. Planned gifts are welcome anytime, though those made prior to September 30, 2009 qualify individuals to become Founding Members of the 1951 Society.
If you have already provided for Kent through a bequest intention or other planned gift, please notify the Foundation office so we may count you as a member of the 1951 Society. If you wish to be anonymous, we will be able to list you as such. There are a number of ways to support Kent Hospital through planned gifts. To learn more, we invite you to keep reading and to www.supportkenthospital.org and click on the Planned Giving link or contact the Foundation at 401-737-7000, ext. 35243.
