Beebe Medical Foundation hosts Loyalty Society 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 from a panel of experts with financial and gift planning. Ted Becker, mayor of Lewes and past Beebe Medical Foundation board member, 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 of today. Shaw Legacy Society members are those who 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 was 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. Attendees were given a brief overview of planned giving from the panelists, and had an opportunity to ask questions.

Longtime 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 volunteer of the hospital, he said, “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.”

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 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.”