Legacy Society
Since 1955, NHMC has been fortunate to receive the enduring support of special friends who have contributed significantly to the facilities, equipment, services, and programs of our Hospital. Of particular importance to the future and sustainability of the Hospital are gifts that donors make through their wills, trusts, life insurance, and other vehicles—planned gifts through the Foundation’s Legacy Society. There are a number of ways to make a gift and also ensure your own financial future.
Give with Confidence:
Northridge Hospital is proud to announce that it has achieved a perfect score of 100 from Charity Navigator-an organization that rates thousands of U.S. charities so that donors can make intelligent giving decisions. Charity Navigator rates charities by evaluating two areas of performance: Financial Health and Accountability and Transparency. Our rating of 100 indicates that we are effective and transparent in the areas assessed, and we are honored to receive the “Give with Confidence” designation on our website.
Thank you to our most recent donors.
2021 Legacy Soceity Gifts that have been left to us...
Ernest and Pat Schroer as a Charitable Remainder UniTrust
In photo: Pat Schroer and son Ernie Schroer III
The Schroer Trust was established by Ernest and Pat Schroer as a Charitable Remainder UniTrust and managed under the Northridge Hospital Foundation. When Pat passed away earlier this year, the trust had to stop and with that the trust disbursed to all charities that were important to the family.
Thank you the Schroer Family for leaving a Legacy gift of $1,937,556 to be used to help support the needs of our community hospital.
Ernie Schroer III, son of Ernest and Pat Schroer, says “It is a pleasure to be able to give to Northridge Hospital, I appreciate everyone’s efforts to help others.”
“The incredible generosity of the Schroer family is a true testament to the essential role that members of our local community play in helping Northridge Hospital continue to serve patients and their families with high-quality, compassionate care,” says Brian Hammel, NHMC Foundation President. “This transformational gift will provide us a future filled with hope and promise, and has the capacity to positively affect our patients and communities for years to come.”
An Estate gift from 11 year volunteer, Susan deGolyer
Susan deGolyer, an eleven year volunteer at NHMC, was a woman many people will remember for years. Susan loved all things Christmas and 4th of July. Every year, Susan looked forward to decorating her home for the holidays. Most of all, you cannot forget her love for candy. She always brought in treats to share with her volunteers and co-workers.
Not only will Susan be remembered for her love of the holidays and candy, but she will be remembered for her philanthropic spirit to support those in need. Susan had a strong relationship with her local church, the San Fernando Valley Historical Society, and most of all, Northridge Hospital Foundation.
Over her eleven year volunteer tenure, she donated 3,825 hours. We were very fortunate to have Susan. She was a big supporter of Northridge Hospital Foundation. Thank you Susan for remembering Northridge Hospital in your estate plans. In the days before Susan's passing, she mentioned to the Foundation "I think you will be very happy with the gift I am leaving the hospital. I know that you will use it to address the continuous needs to improve our hospital."
We are thankful for the gift of $200,000 to our Legacy Society. These funds will help support the needs of our community hospital, which Susan loved very much.
Past Legacy Society Gifts the Foundation has received...
Ann Cimmarrusti, who established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) in 2009
Ann Cimmarrusti, who established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) in 2009 and made Northridge Hospital Foundation the beneficiary. Originally from Pennsylvania, Ann resided in Pacoima with her family and served as an Eucharistic Minister at St. John Eudes in Chatsworth. Known for her cheerful smile, she enjoyed a 30-year career in banking, and owned both, a card shop and 22-unit apartment complex. At the age of 81, she retired from being a landlord and funded the CRUT with her property. After a long and prosperous life, Ann passed away this year at the age of 92.
“Through her charitable intent and planned giving, Ann was able to leave the hospital a gift in excess of $2 Million,” says Brian Hammel, President, Northridge Hospital Foundation. “We’re grateful and honored that she expressed this level of gratitude and appreciation for the hospital. She’s now part of our Legacy.”
20 year volunteer, Evelynne Hanson volunteered as a cheerful patient advocate
The patient floors are a bit quieter at Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital where, for over 20 years, Evelynne Hanson volunteered as a cheerful patient advocate, lifting spirits, room to room. Evelynne was inspired to join the Northridge Hospital Auxiliary after being treated as a patient herself in the Leavey Cancer Center. She was so impressed with her care that she not only made an annual gift to the Center each year, she also hosted holiday parties at her home for physicians, hospital staff, and people she met while volunteering. “Evelynne was ahead of her time with a focus on humankindness and improving the Patient Experience,” shares Brian Hammel, President, Northridge Hospital Foundation. “She was the widow of a court judge, a tireless world traveler, and a kind-hearted person who would knock on patient doors, offering to chat about anything their heart’s desired.”
Not surprisingly, Evelynne received the “Volunteer of the Year Award” in 2014 for serving as a role model for excellent guest services. Although Evelynne had no children, she adopted many stray cats and was a devout Presbyterian. Prior to her passing at the age of 98, Evelynne named the First Presbyterian Church of Granada Hills and the Northridge Hospital Foundation in her estate plan— each received a $100,000 gift. “We’re grateful and honored that Evelynne expressed this level of gratitude and appreciation for the hospital,” says Brian. “She’s now part of our Legacy.”
Dr. Frank and Mrs. Raisa Dulian leave a $50,000 Bequest
In 1975, Dr. Frank and Mrs. Raisa Dulian, made their initial charitable gift to Northridge Hospital Medical Center. Frank Dulian, MD, had been serving as a general practitioner at Northridge Hospital. At the time, Northridge Hospital was one of the few providers in the San Fernando Valley and the Dulian’s understood how their support could benefit the hospital with resources that served the local community.
Dr. Dulian passed in September 2000, and Mrs. Dulian’s support of the hospital endured until her untimely passing in 2019. Before Dr. Dulian passed, he and Mrs. Dulian were introduced to the Northridge Hospital Foundation Legacy Society which supports the future and sustainability of the hospital through charitable gifts that donors make through their wills, trusts, and life insurance.
After learning more about The Legacy Society, the Dulian’s chose to include Northridge Hospital in their estate. They understood that their support of the medical center would outlive their lifetime, and recently Northridge Hospital Foundation received a $50,000 bequest that will support the medical center’s Capital Campaign – “Building for the Future Today.”
We are eternally grateful for the Dulian’s enduring support, which will contribute toward the renovation and expansion of Northridge Hospital, rededicating it to relieving the suffering of the thousands who come through our doors.
Legacy Society Testimonial:
"We made the decision to make a lasting gift to Northridge Hospital because we know that it will help ensure the continuation of the wonderful healthcare and services provided to our community. It is a great source of comfort to both of us to do something so meaningful to help future generations and to truly make a difference in the lives of others who are not even born yet," says Valerie Kohler.
You can create a legacy by making a planned gift to Northridge Hospital Foundation, please contact Brian Hammel at 818.885.5341, ext. 1. or email brian.hammel@dignityhealth.org.