One for All and All for One: A Journey in Friendship and Philanthropy
Nearly ten years ago, three local couples – Marshall and Sandy Goldman, Jeff and Jodi Gottlieb and Mark and Nancy Mintz – decided to make charitable contributions to University Hospitals, each selecting an area of significant, personal meaning. For this group of close friends, their gifts were important demonstrations of their commitment to the health system, the community and each other.
A decade later, that commitment is stronger than ever, again evidenced by their philanthropy. Recently, each couple committed $1 million to UH. Like before, they gave to different areas: Marshall and Sandy focused on cardiology; Jeff and Jodi gave to orthopedics; Mark and Nancy supported primary care. And each gave in a different way, making use of giving vehicles such as estate planning and charitable gift annuities.
"All three guys have such different personalities, but they have the biggest hearts," said Nancy Mintz. "Because of them, we've each found our own path on how and why to give to UH."
Committed to UH
"I don't think we ever expected to make a gift like this, but we are honored and grateful to be able to do so." – Marshall and Sandy Goldman
Marshall and Sandy Goldman's connection with UH is long, but it was solidified years ago when their daughter was diagnosed with a developmental disability. "The compassion UH caregivers exude is indescribable," said Sandy. "They have been invaluable to our family. They made our lives manageable and, without a doubt, changed the trajectory of our daughter's life."
Marshall, who suffered with an eye disease for many years, experienced equal compassion and care at UH Eye Institute, for which he now chairs the Leadership Council. And Sandy, who recently found herself in need of a pacemaker, found the same at UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. "We've spent a lot of time at UH," said Marshall. "No matter who you are, everybody is treated as a priority. Every single caregiver wants to help you in every way possible."
To show their appreciation and perpetuate UH's special brand of care, the Goldman's committed $1 million to advance cardiology care. Their gift will be recognized with the naming of the Marshall and Sandra Goldman and Family Heart and Vascular Suite at UH Ahuja Medical Center.
Giving Back to the Community
"The impact of giving affects our generation and future generations as well. It's about the succession of care." - Jeff and Jodi Gottlieb
Jeff and Jodi Gottlieb joke that when they go out to dinner with friends, they no longer talk about their kids or sports activities. Instead, they discuss their grandchildren, their aches and pains and their doctors.
"Like us, many in our community are getting older and we are all experiencing knee or shoulder issues," said Jeff, who serves on the UH Ahuja Medical Center Leadership Council, UH Ahuja Capital Campaign Committee and recently joined the UH Ahuja Phase 2 Sports Medicine Subcommittee. "We know that the Drusinsky Family Sports Medicine Complex at UH Ahuja is going to be a state-of-the-art facility with world class orthopedics and sports medicine care. We designated our recent gift to that area not just for ourselves, but for the community at large."
Like their friends, Jeff and Jodi Gottlieb feel humbled and honored to be able to give back to the community and invest in the future of UH. "You live in a community and that's your home," said Jodi. "You want to do the best you can for your home to keep it going. Jeff and I learned that from our parents and we hope that we've passed it along to our own children."
UH Feels Like Family
"University Hospitals is always there for us and we're never disappointed." - Mark and Nancy Mintz
Mark and Nancy Mintz committed their $1 million gift in honor of their UH primary care physicians, Jill Miller, MD, and Alan Hirsh, MD. "Medical care starts with your internist; they are your quarterback and advocate," said Mark. "Nancy and I are fortunate to have two special and caring doctors in Drs. Hirsh and Miller. We've had wonderful experiences over the last 10 years with them and many others. We are honored and grateful to be able to make a gift like this and recognize their tremendous care and compassion in the process."
The couple has many personal ties to UH. Mark went to high school with Fred Rothstein, MD, former president of UH Cleveland Medical Center, and his cousin, William Witt, MD, was a longtime UH otolaryngologist. When UH Ahuja Medical Center was originally built, Mark served on Beachwood City Council and, today, as the UH Ahuja campus expands, Mark and Nancy's son, Joshua, sits on the council.
"Giving back to the community is integral to us and we consider UH a vital part of this community," said Nancy. "UH is truly family and supporting the system is a really good feeling."
Contact the gift planning team to learn how you can leave your legacy at University Hospitals through gift planning opportunities.