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Beebe Medical Foundation Hosts Shaw Legacy Society Inaugural Breakfast

 

The Beebe Medical Foundation hosted the inaugural “Loyalty Society” breakfast to say a special thank you to donors who have consistently supported Beebe for the last three years. Beebe is so grateful for this loyal support, which truly helps to change and save lives every day.

The attendees enjoyed presentations of a panel of experts with financial and gift planning. Ted Becker, past Beebe Medical Foundation Board Member, and Mayor of Lewes, shared his inspiring story about the importance of an excellent community hospital. Becker is part of the Shaw Society.

The Beebe Medical Foundation is looking to expand its planned giving program through the Shaw Legacy Society, which began in 1921, when Helen and Benjamin Shaw gave the first major philanthropic gift to Doctors James and Richard C. Beebe. This gift was used to build the original, 35- bed hospital on Savannah Road, which has expanded into the Beebe Healthcare we know today. Shaw Legacy Society members are those that have made a planned gift to Beebe through estate planning vehicles such as trusts, charitable annuities, real estate, and endowments.

President and CEO of Beebe Healthcare, Jeffrey M. Fried said, “Your support allows us to continue to hire great staff, bring in wonderful doctors, and provide the latest technology in our community. We really appreciate everything you do to help Beebe be the best that it can be.”

The discussion panel also part of the event and included four speakers with expertise on estate planning. The panel included: Margo Cooke, CFRE, CAP; Lisa Hastings, CPA; Cindy Szabo, attorney at Law; and Bradley Travis, financial advisor, VP. Attendees were given a brief overview of planned giving from the panelists, and an opportunity to ask questions.

Long-time contributors to Beebe, Dick and Diane Ruffino, were among attendees. “I learned a lot, and it was a very interesting breakfast. I think the participants and the speakers did a great job,” said Dick Ruffino. Speaking of his wife, a 22-year long volunteer of the hospital, “She really loves the hospital and all the doctors, so that’s why she’s a part of it.”

Another attendee, Dr. David E. Robinson, said, “I thought that the breakfast gave us some food for thought about options in terms of charitable giving, and some things that may direct to more than just charitable giving related to Beebe, but things that really are financial plans for the future as we live out our lives.”

Dr. Robinson described himself as a consumer of the Beebe Healthcare system because he goes to the Tunnell Cancer center weekly. That’s part of the reason he gives. “I think having those services locally and not having to go to Wilmington or Dover is very beneficial to the citizens, especially to me as a consumer.”

Tom Protack, Vice President of Development for the Beebe Medical Foundation added, “Establishing this new loyalty society for our donors who have given so faithfully to Beebe lets them know of our appreciation and continued need for philanthropy in the future. Currently, we have 260 members in the Loyalty Society and 31 members in the Shaw Society. As Beebe prepares for the future, expansion of our hospital and county-wide health campus’, it will be important to continue to grow both the Loyalty Society and Shaw Society.”

Pictured here, Dr. David Robinson and his wife Linda Robinson chat with Jeffrey M. Fried, President and CEO of Beebe Healthcare.

Pictured here, Beebe Board member David Herbert and his wife Mame Herbert, supporters of Beebe Healthcare, attended the Loyalty Society breakfast that was organized by the Beebe Medical Foundation.

 

Those who attended the Beebe Medical Foundation inaugural “Loyalty Society” breakfast are pictured here.

Beebe Medical Foundation was established in 1989 with the sole mission to raise philanthropic support for Beebe Healthcare. The Foundation is located at 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. For more information, please contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at (302) 644-2900 or visit us online beebehealthcareevents.org.

Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. It offers services throughout Southern Delaware for residents and visitors, including a 210-licensed-bed hospital, a cancer center, and outpatient facilities providing walk-in care, lab, imaging, and physical rehabilitation services. For more information, please visit us online at Beebe Healthcare.