Stories

Many lives have been saved and families forever changed thanks in part to the generous support of our donors.

“A dedicated and compassionate caregiver at St. Joseph Hospital for decades, Melvin Schwartz and his wife demonstrated their friendship and support for the Hospital by establishing a legacy through a generous charitable planned gift.”

Estate Planning: Inspired Giving

When Dick Baker underwent two angioplasties at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, he didn’t know it would inspire him to become involved in the future of the hospital. He spent his career in Southern California, eventually becoming chief financial officer for MCA (the parent company of Universal Studios, MCA Television and MCA Records), where he worked for 32 years until his retirement in 1997.

“During rehab, I was talking to someone from the Foundation and he asked me to be on the Board,” said Dick. He accepted the invitation and set out to increase donations and recruit new board members from Disney, Warner Bros. and Universal. He soon became Chair of the Foundation Board, which at that time was focused on raising funds to build the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center — now one of the top cancer treatment centers in the nation.

“I found the Board to be a very fulfilling experience,” shared Dick. “I found out so much more about the hospital than I would have as a patient.”

Though Dick and his wife Johanna have since moved to Naples, Florida, he remains dedicated to Providence Saint Joseph. The couple recently included the medical center as a beneficiary in their estate plan.

“When putting our estate plan together, we considered taking care of those who have touched our lives,” said Dick. “Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center was prominent on that list. I encourage those who have benefited from the medical center, like us, to consider doing the same. When all is said and done, without our health, we have nothing.”

“Dick’s estate gift is a continuation of his desire to give back to the community, providing substantial future support for leading-edge patient care for the Providence Saint Joseph community for generations to come. We are exceedingly grateful,” said Joe Ward, executive director of planned giving for Providence.

“Estate giving is simple and has many advantages,” said Joe. “It can produce a revenue stream and significant tax deductions — as well as the knowledge that funds are going to support a valuable community institution for years to come.”

For more information, please contact Joe Ward, executive director of planned giving, at Joseph.Ward@providence.org or 310-793-8117.