FOCUS WINTER 2017
IT BEGINS WITH US... DEAR FRIENDS,
As you will read in the following pages, we’re celebrating Spring and new beginnings at St. Mary. While I am not new to St. Mary, it is my pleasure to now serve as the Foundation Board Chair. I wish to thank Todd Buch for his past leadership in this role and for his continued support, as well as that of George Heyrich, MD and Mary Smithson, all of whom have agreed to remain involved John Gilbert with the Board as Advisory Members after their terms ended in December. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Tom Bell, John Folz, Howard Hopenwasser, DMD,Vincent Murphy and Charlene Schwartz to the Foundation Board. I look forward to working with them and the entire Board to advance the mission and vision of St. Mary.
As you read, you will also discover a new face added to the Foundation staff. Please join me in welcoming Heather Wiley, CFRE to the position of Vice President. Heather brings with her a wealth of skill and experience that I am certain will help guide the Foundation in its mission to support and enhance the delivery of healthcare at St. Mary through raising funds and building relationships. I hope that you will be able to join us at an upcoming event, such as the annual Spring Gala, and meet Heather in person. Please continue reading to find additional information about Heather, the Gala, and other St. Mary news.
Finally, I would like to thank you for being part of the St. Mary community and for your support throughout the year. St. Mary exists to serve the healthcare needs of our community because of our community. You make it all possible.
Best Wishes.
John Gilbert Foundation Board Chair
NEW BEGINNINGS From Gala to new VP, exciting Spring changes are in the air
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ach year when winter turns to spring the days get warmer and brighter, trees and flowers begin to bloom once again. As we head into this period of renewal, we at the Foundation have some exciting “new beginnings” to share.
First, we are so pleased to welcome Heather Wiley, CFRE as Vice President of the St. Mary Foundation. She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s Degree from Kent State University in Ohio. Heather’s experience includes serving as the Vice President for Development at Penn Medicine and similar roles with the Geisinger Health System, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, TX. Heather is an extremely accomplished development professional with a strong mentoring leadership style and extensive fundraising experience and success. She formally assumed her role on March 6. We look forward to working with Heather to continue building the relationships and securing the funds necessary to ensure everyone in Bucks County has access to the highest quality, compassionate healthcare right in their own backyards.
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FOCUS
GUARDIAN
ANGELS
WINTER 2017
A publication for donors and friends of St. Mary Medical Center
To receive an electronic version by email, register at: StMaryFoundation.org/focus
FOUNDATION STAFF
Heather Wiley,Vice President 215.710.2591 • heather.wiley@stmaryhealthcare.org
Mary Jo Howell, Database Coordinator 215.710.2613 • mhowell@stmaryhealthcare.org
Lisa Juris, Event & Communications Coordinator 215.710.2644 • ljuris@stmaryhealthcare.org Joann Kunigonis, Administrative Assistant 215.710.6117 • jkunigonis@stmaryhealthcare.org
Kathryn O'Connor, Manager of Annual Giving FOCUS Editor 215.710.5894 • koconnor@stmaryhealthcare.org
Karen O’Donnell, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations 215.710.5791 • kodonnell@stmaryhealthcare.org
Mary Romspert, Manager of Foundation Operations 215.710.2440 • mromspert@stmaryhealthcare.org
Margie Zimmerman, Foundation Board Affairs Coordinator 215.710.2054 • mzimmerman@stmaryhealthcare.org
One Summit Square 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Road Suite 300 Langhorne, PA 19047
Please call the Foundation at 215.710.2591 if you wish to be removed from this mailing list. 2
SOARING IN
E
TO NEW HEIGHTS
PATIENT CARE
very physician and colleague at St. Mary, regardless of their role, makes an impact on the care provided to our patients. Whether during a routine outpatient appointment, urgent visit to the Emergency Department, or extended inpatient stay, our entire staff is dedicated to delivering the best possible experience and outcome for every patient and their family.
Being a provider of exemplary healthcare is often identified with awards and accolades for individual caregivers as well as the institution for which they work. At St. Mary, we are proud and happy to share those we have received with all of our employees. However, there is one honor that holds a very special meaning to all of our physicians and colleagues – hearing “thank you” from the patients and families we serve.
Our Guardian Angel program is a way to acknowledge one or more individuals at St. Mary who made your experience memorable by making a donation in their name. With a contribution of any size, the person or group you name will be presented with a special pin and a certificate identifying them as a St. Mary Guardian Angel. Any personalized message you wish to include will also be shared.
Over two hundred colleagues and physicians were named as Guardian Angels by patients, their families, and friends last year. In January, those honored, their supervisors and St. Mary Senior Leadership were invited to a luncheon to celebrate. This annual event is hosted by the Foundation to thank all of our Guardian Angels for all they do for our patients.
Congratulations to the following physicians and colleagues named as St. Mary Guardian Angels for the first quarter of 2017. Frank Ammaturo, MD Karen Armstrong John A. Avallone, DO Kulpreet Barn, MD Guillermo Bernal, MD Melanie Breslin Bruce Dershaw, MD Kevin Dolan, MD Deirdre Donaghy, MD Loretta Dugan Ronald Fields, MD Brad Friedmann, DO Yana Genkil
Lorraine Goodwin Jeffrey Hall Anand Haridas, MD Donna Bucci Heron Horacio A. Hidalgo, MD Lauren Hoffman John Irwin, MD Richard Kass, DO Stacy Krisher, MD Richard Leshner, DO Laurie May William McElmoyle, DO Craig McMackin, MD
Jennifer Mortimer-Cousin Pavla Moran John Moskaitis, MD John Newsom, MD Todd Nixon, MD Amanda O’Neill Hiral Patel Fontanilla, MD Rafael Pena, MD Father Raju Pilla Christine Pitre Peter Serpico, DO Barbara Shonberg, MD Anne Whalen, DO
If you would like more information on the Guardian Angel program or wish to honor a St. Mary physician or colleague as your Guardian Angel, please use the enclosed envelope, visit StMaryFoundation.org or contact Kat O’Connor at 215.710.5894.
CIRCLE AMBASSADOR
cutting edge
CARDIOLOGY and improving the
Supporters and friends of St. Mary gathered on December 9th for the final Ambassador Circle meeting of 2016. After a welcome and opening prayer, guest speaker George P. Heyrich, MD, FACC, FSCAI, was introduced and gave a presentation on coronary intervention at St. Mary.
Dr. Heyrich began by informing the audience that coronary artery disease (CAD) is currently the leading cause of death worldwide. CAD is a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Patients with CAD are at high risk for heart attack and can experience symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath when the demand for blood to the heart is more than the heart’s ability to supply blood due to the blockages. In the case of a suspected heart attack calling 911 is always the best course of action. Tests such as a mobile EKG can be conducted by the ambulance crew with results communicated to the hospital before arrival. This allows treatment to begin quicker once reaching the hospital and increases patient survival rate.
Since the 1990s, physicians have treated patients with CAD with balloon angioplasty as well as metallic and drug-eluting metallic stents, to open the blocked vessels, allowing many patients to avoid more invasive open heart surgery. Traditionally these stents are made of metal and are considered permanent implants. As of July 2016, St. Mary was among the first in the region – and the nation – to offer a new treatment option: a bioreabsorbable
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
vascular scaffold that literally disappears over time. This “disappearing stent” is a small mesh tube designed to open a blocked heart vessel, restore blood flow then dissolve into the vessel over the next three to five years.
One of the great patient benefits, Dr. Heyrich explained, is that the device is designed to restore normal function back to the artery once it has dissolved. Although complications with the metal stents are rare, the fact that nothing is left behind with this intervention reduces risks such as the formation of blood clots, and allows for additional procedures to be performed in the treated vessel should another intervention be needed in the future. Though this new stent poses no additional risk, not all patients are suitable candidates for this type of intervention. Factors such as location and condition of the blocked artery, vessel size, age and others will all be considered and discussed by the cardiologist with the patient.
St. Mary invested in new imaging technology to assist in the implementation of the new devices. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is used during cardiac catheterization and provides high resolution images of blood vessel structure in much greater detail than intravascular ultrasound or x-ray. Since the dissolving stents contain no metal, precision visualization from the OCT allows for better confirmation of placement and deployment of the stent.
Dr. Heyrich and the entire St. Mary cardiology team are excited to be able to offer this advanced treatment option to benefit our patients.
Our selection as one of the first to have this technology is a testament to the skill and knowledge of our physicians and the high-quality service they provide.
Following Dr. Heyrich’s presentation, Dan Drake, VP Continuing Care and Interim Foundation VP, addressed the audience for a Foundation update. Dan explained that the search for a full-time Foundation Vice President was well underway. Please see the lead article of this newsletter to discover all about the candidate selected for the job!
Finally, Jim Woodward, President & CEO, reported on two hospital construction projects that will improve patient experiences at St. Mary. First, the Cancer Center Infusion Room expansion is nearly complete. When finished, it will provide a more private and comfortable setting for patients undergoing infusion treatments for cancer and other medical conditions. The second project will be the construction of a permanent MRI suite that will replace the unit now housed in a trailer just off the Radiology Department. This new area will increase the safety and comfort for all patients requiring this type of imaging. Once construction begins, the new suite is expected to be finished in Summer 2017. On behalf of the patients, their families and colleagues of St. Mary, Jim thanked everyone in attendance for their generosity as both projects were funded through Foundation support. If you would like more information on these and other projects at St. Mary visit the website at StMaryHealthcare.org
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GIFTS COMMUNITY
THE YOUNG PHILANTHROPISTS A GIVING SWEET SPOT
Lemonade + candy + kids
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L-R: Guy Lentine with James L.Woodward, St. Mary President & CEO
group of local children took advantage of the unseasonably warm February weather to get outside and do something sweet! Working in groups, Alyssa, Jeremy, Juliana, Jessica, Ariel, Tyler, Kailyn, Molly, Sophia, Myles and Madden set up tables selling lemonade and candy in their Langhorne neighborhood over two days. Their total profit of $28.88 was delivered to the Foundation office as a donation to help support the St. Mary mission. A heartfelt thank you to this industrious and generous group of children!
DONOR HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES The Gift of Reading
High School students’ book drive benefits St. Mary’s Children’s Health Center
T
he students at William Tennent High School in Warminster recently held a book drive to collect gently used children’s books to be given to local organizations that benefit children. St. Mary’s Children’s Health Center was chosen as the recipient for 2017. Pictured from right to left are Jill Simon, Administrative Director of the St. Mary Children’s Health Center and Karen Adams,William Tennent High School faculty in front of the boxes of collected books. The staff at CHC plans to send a book home with families at every well visit to promote literacy.
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Memories lives on in the sharing gift of music
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uy Lentine recently donated his Yamaha player baby grand piano in memory of his mother, Lois B. Lentine, in gratitude of her “exceptional care at St. Mary.” The piano is located in the hospital front lobby, in front of the chapel. Since its arrival at St. Mary, the piano is played by volunteers, visitors and even some physicians to the delight of all. Guy is pictured with his family and St. Mary colleagues who were on hand to make the gift.
A SEASON OF GIVING In
Putting a smile on the face of every child
December, employees from Bristol-Myers Squibb in Hopewell, NJ orchestrated a wonderful night for our families from the Fatima Outreach Center in Bensalem, PA. It was a fun-filled night for almost 50 children who were led through games and activities including face painting and balloon art by BMS colleagues. Each child left with a souvenir bag and a photo of their experience plus memories of a special night.
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A HEALING VIEW
Expanded infusion suite brings added comfort and calming February 13, 2017 was a long-time coming for both St. Mary staff and patients alike. After a brief blessing of the space and the hands of those who will work within it, St. Mary President and CEO Jim Woodward officially cut the ribbon opening the St. Mary Cancer Center Infusion Suite. Plans and fundraising for this project began nearly five years ago. Over this time, generous individuals and businesses in the community contributed an approximate total of $1 million to bring the project to fruition. They were all invited to join in the celebration.
Although chemotherapy for various cancers is the most-often provided infusion treatment, intravenous (IV) delivery of specialized medications to treat chronic conditions including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s Disease are increasingly being administered. IV hydration and electrolyte supplement, blood transfusions, and antibiotics can also be provided here, eliminating the need for patients to be hospitalized in order to receive them.
Above: Spacious and comfortable patient treatment areas with windows overlooking the Healing Gardens
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Intravenous treatments can range in duration between an average 2 and up to 6 hours for some chemotherapy sessions. In the former treatment area, patients received their infusions while seated in rows of recliners lining the walls of a very small room. There was little room for anyone other than the patient being treated and curtains providing the only privacy. The spacious new suite encompasses more than 1,800 square feet and consists of 9 individual treatment bays with a private room planned for patients with a more compromised immune system or transmissible illness. Each bay contains a television and amenities including extra seating for caregivers and loved ones to comfortably stay with the patient if so desired. Solid partitions separate the bays; however, for patients who prefer a more social treatment environment, the partitions can be rearranged for a more open setting.
In addition, large windows looking out over the Cancer Center Gardens and Healing Gardens add visual appeal and support the calm, healing environment.
Last year, 3,600 treatments were provided to patients in the infusion room at St. Mary. This number is expected to increase with the additional capacity and expansion of services in the new Infusion Suite. Our ability to provide even more patients with the life-saving, life-changing medications they need in a relaxing, therapeutic environment would not be possible without the generous support from our community. On behalf of the thousands of individuals who will receive treatments in the Infusion Suite this year and for years to come, we thank everyone whose contributions made it a reality.
SAYING THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO CARE...
St. Mary is made up of more than just the grounds and buildings of the medical center.
While we couldn’t function as one of the leading healthcare providers in the area without them, there are over 5,000 more components we cannot do without – our physicians, colleagues, and volunteers. Their skill, compassion and dedication are what make St. Mary such a wonderful place to work and to receive care.
We are so grateful every day for these individuals and their work with patients and families across all St. Mary service lines. We hope that you will join us in recognizing and thanking them in the upcoming months on some very special days.
First, we honor the over 700 physicians who perform vital diagnosis and treatment at St. Mary with National Doctors’ Day on March 30th. Through their extensive knowledge and experience, they care for us and our families through all stages of our lives. They assist us and our families in getting and staying healthy, help us through illness and injury and so much more.
The next week-long celebration kicks off on May 6th and is dedicated to honoring the indispensable individuals who work tirelessly at our patients’ bedsides, as well as in educational and administrative capacities at St. Mary — our nurses! With events scheduled throughout the week both for and by the nursing staff, National Nurses’ Week is a wonderful way to acknowledge all the wonderful St. Mary nurses for everything they do.
Finally, beginning on May 7th, National Hospital Week is a cooccurring celebration of the individuals working in all aspects of healthcare for their dedication and support of community wellbeing. A full schedule of activities is planned honoring our colleagues and the variety of ways their hard work contributes to the promotion of health and wellness in Bucks County.
While any day is a good day to say thank you to the physicians and colleagues who care for you, these celebrations present a perfect opportunity for you to show them how much you care for them! Use the enclosed envelope, or visit our website, to make a contribution honoring one or more physicians, nurses, colleagues, or departments that made your St. Mary experience exceptional. Each named individual or group will receive a special pin and certificate along with any message you wish to include.
If you have any questions regarding making a contribution in honor of a St. Mary colleague or physician, please contact Kat O’Connor at 215.710.5894 or koconnor@stmaryhealthcare.org. 7
NEW BEGINNINGS continued...
St. My Foundaon Gala
Heather is joining St. Mary just in time for our largest annual fundraising event – The St. Mary Spring Gala – for which the preparations are well underway. Over its 44 year history, the Gala has been held in bold, unique venues in and around Bucks County and has featured a wide variety of themes, both formal and casual. This year, by popular demand, we are returning to our formal roots with a black tie evening reminiscent of galas past. Despite many changes over the years, what has never varied is that the proceeds of this event are used to support and grow programs and services at St. Mary. This year is no exception.
Limited access to resources and the cost of care make poverty the number one risk factor for poor health. With one in 15 households with children and one in 25 households without children living below the poverty line and many more on the margins in the St. Mary service Heather Wiley, CFRE area, the 2017 Spring Gala proceeds will be used to help the underserved of Bucks County find new beginnings. Funds raised will ensure that the poor and most vulnerable in the community have access to the resources necessary to achieve optimal health, nutrition, safety and life skills through our Community Ministries family of services. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals and businesses who have already committed their sponsorship for the 2017 Gala:
Silver Rock Risk Solutions
American Heritage Federal Credit Union
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
McCaffrey’s Markets
McCafferty Auto Group
Anthony and Elaine Grillo
Radiology Affiliates Imaging Charlene and Howard Schwartz
National Maintenance and Build Out The Martinides Group
Comprehensive Cardiology
The Endoscopy Center at St. Mary Team Health Northeast
Scott’s All Season
CareKinesis
Assured Guaranty
Financial Recoveries
Harmelin Media
Physicians Endoscopy
HRSI
Princeton Radiation Oncology Florkowski Builders
Southampton Window Cleaning
Herman Goldner
Charlie & Dottie Minter
John Gilbert & Sarita Tirpak
In addition to generous sponsorship such as these, ticket sales, advertising, donations, raffles and auction activities make up the ways the Gala will raise funds for The St. Mary Community Ministries.
We are extremely excited this year to be offering a new way for guests to participate at the event. Through BidPal event technology, guests will be able to make silent auction bids from anywhere in the venue and participate in a special fund-a-need live auction with their own smartphones! This technology offers other features such as sending alerts when a guest is outbid on an auction item as well as totaling any successful bids and allowing guests to check out on their own through a pre-registered credit card. We can’t wait to introduce BidPal at this year’s Gala and are confident that our guests will be just as thrilled to use it!
Sponsorship packages and tickets are still available for the 2017 St. Mary Spring Gala. We are also seeking items and services that can be used in our silent auction.
Online Sponsorship & Tickets at:
StMaryFoundation.org/gala2017
For more information contact Lisa Juris at 215.710.2644 or ljuris@stmaryhealthcare.org
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a rEturN tO BlacK tiE aNd Ball gOWNs
s
saturday may 20, 2017
s
gala chairs dr. richard & mindy goldstein
ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED...
Friend-raising assists low-income students to attend the prom
As
Dr. Ashish Sitapara, Kajal Sitapara and Meghe Anand
many parents and high school students can attest, going to the prom can be a costly undertaking, particularly for girls. Because of the expense, some students may miss out on the experience because they and their families are unable to afford all the prom necessities. That is why on March 1, the Community League of St. Mary hosted a special new friend-raising event to help make attending the prom more attainable for students from low-income families. Guidance counselors from six area high schools were asked to invite students whose financial circumstances may prevent them from attending their proms.
Leading up to the March 1 event, managers of the St. Mary Thrift Shop and Bee Well Boutique, Mary Mullaney and Lynn Carpenter, as well as other members of the Community League collected gently used prom gowns, shoes, purses, and jewelry. In addition to the donated items, offered for sale for as little as $5- including free dry cleaning – attendees had the opportunity to win prizes including manicures, hair styling, spray tanning and more from local salons. This is the first time an event like this has been offered by the Community League. However, it is hoped to become an annual occurrence.
Lynn Carpenter, Manager of St. Mary Bee Well Boutique and Dr. Benjamin Lam, Lam Plastic Surgery
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. . . S U H T I W T U O B A & T U O O G D N A , E T A N O D , P O H S
Beeboutique Well
Offering wigs, clothing, and soothing products to comfort cancer patients as well as men and women with other medical conditions. Monday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Located in the St. Mary Cancer Center 1201 Langhorne-Newtown Road Langhorne, PA • 215.710.5780
Not your average thrift store experience! Merchandise selection changes daily with great weekly sales and specials! Stop in soon and come back often.
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Donations accepted Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Saturday until 2 p.m.
All major credit cards and personal checks (with proof of identification) accepted for purchases.
Providing area residents in need with refurbished medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, hospital beds, scooters, canes and more through generous donations from the community. Those who receive CARES refurbished equipment may re-donate it when no longer needed so the cycle of giving can continue! Stop by to obtain or donate gently used medical equipment Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The St. Mary Thrift Store and CARES are located in the Pine Watson Shopping Center 140 North Pine Street • Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Visit communityleague-stmary.org to learn more
Whether it’s a get well gift for a loved one at St. Mary, a special occasion gift or a treat for yourself, the Beehive has it all! Flowers, balloons, cards, gift baskets, jewelry, accessories and more for any occasion! Shop in person
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Or online any time
communityleague-stmary.org
Free delivery on the St. Mary campus! Located in the St. Mary Medical Center Lobby 1201 Langhorne-Newtown Road Langhorne, PA • 215.710.2221
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OUT AND ABOUT
THE SPRING/SUMMER COMMUNITY LEAGUE OUT AND ABOUT SCHEDULE HAS BEEN SET! YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US…
April 18th we travel to New York to savor a delicious 3-course lunch at the American Bounty Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America followed by a tour of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 35-room home, Springwood.
Springwood
June 15th as we grab our aprons for a
4-course Mexican Fiesta Cooking Class and Dinner at the Farm Cooking School.
This private class will be taught by noted Chef Shelley Wiseman, author of two cookbooks and the former recipe developer, travel and food editor at Gourmet magazine. Alnwick Hall
National Build Out and Maintenance Dinner Sponsor Dan Moser Cocktail Sponsor a
Thursday, April 6th, 2017
5-6:30 PM Cocktails with Live Music
Out and About excursions with the Community League are always open to everyone – men and women of all ages. The events are always exciting and interesting and very likely to sell out quickly! For more information about these trips or to make your reservation, please contact Eileen Moser at 215.767.4842 or visit CommunityLeague-StMary.org.
BECOME A MEMBER!
SPRING INTO FASHION Presented By
May 16th as we tour Alnwick Hall, a 20,000
square-foot brick mansion designed by architect Percy Griffin, located in Morristown, NJ and known in recent years as “The Abbey.” Following the tour will be a fabulous 3-course lunch at the Madison Hotel.
COMMUNITY LEAGUE OF ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER Invites You To
6:30-9 PM Dinner & Fashion Show
Spring Mill Manor Chef Shelley Wiseman
If you’d like information about volunteering with The Community League, visit CommunityLeague-StMary.org to learn more!
•
Ivyland, PA
$55 per person
(Table of 10 - $50 per person) Information call Elleen Moser 215.767.4842
Tickets online CommunityLeague-StMary.org
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
One Summit Square, Suite 300 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047
WINTER 2017
FOCUS
StMaryFoundation.org
RETAIN CONTROL
OF ASSETS FOR LIFE
Want to make a gift in support of St. Mary Medical Center, maintain control of your assets or receive income for life? Then consider a planned gift. The most common types of planned gifts include:
9 Bequest commitments within will or trust documents 9 Beneficiary designations for retirement plan assets
9 Listing St. Mary Medical Center as owner and beneficiary of life insurance policies
9 Establishing Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA): A CGA of $10,000 or more is part gift/part annuity, which enables the donor and another beneficiary to receive income for life while benefiting St. Mary. Donors may also receive valuable income tax deductions.
Establishing a planned gift for St. Mary provides you with membership in the Legacy Society, our planned gift donor recognition group.
To learn more or if you have already included St. Mary in a planned gift arrangement, please contact Karen O’Donnell at 215.710.5791 or kodonnell@stmaryhealthcare.org.
PAID
PERMIT #28 BELLMAWR, NJ