Summer 2009  

The Gift of Giving

"I've been supporting Grace Cottage Hospital regularly, ever since I got a message on my answering machine in 1997 from someone at the hospital who wanted to thank me for my gift," said Steve Goldberg, of Jersey City, NJ. "It was a small donation, but she was so appreciative that it made a very strong impression on me. In fact, I tell people this story of Grace Cottage's personal touch -- from patient care to fundraising -- all the time!"

Having worked as a professional fundraiser throughout his career, Steve understands the importance of charitable giving. For the past six years, he has authorized Grace Cottage to charge his credit card monthly, which enables him to give a larger cumulative gift each year. "It's important for me to know that Grace Cottage Hospital can count on my modest contribution on a sustained basis," Steve notes. "When it's separated into twelve parts, the larger donation doesn't involve sacrifice on my part," Steve says.

"I first learned about Grace Cottage when my partner, Joe Maliszewski, and I bought a house in Townshend. Joe has since died, and in 2007, I honored him and his love for Vermont by making a donation for a plaque and a rosebush in the beautiful garden at Grace Cottage. What amazes me is that the rosebush and plaque are now mysteriously surrounded by forget-me-nots, which were Joe's mother's favorite flower!"

Steve is also a member of Grace Cottage's Legacy Society, since Grace Cottage is named in his will and as a beneficiary of his Individual Retirement Account.

 

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