Planned Giving

EVERY PATIENT in the Bassett Healthcare Network has benefited from the generous legacy of others. Since the hospital’s establishment, caring individuals have made lasting impacts through gifts, bequests, and deferred contributions that enhance Bassett’s ability to deliver high-quality health care to the people in a broad geographic area of central New York. Even the cornerstone of this rural healthcare network, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, was a gift, built by Edward Severin Clark in tribute to a remarkable physician whose compassion and caring work inspired him. After Dr. Bassett’s untimely death, Mr. Clark requested that the light in the hospital’s cupola be lit every night in her memory. The perpetual illumination of the hospital’s cupola is symbolic of Bassett’s commitment to proving the most progressive healthcare possible to our patients. The cupola’s radiance serves as a constant reminder that Bassett stands for excellence in health care now and for the future.

"It was important for us to know that our gift would benefit patients in Delhi.We found it was easy to establish a bequest that would support medical services in our local community by designating O'Connor Hospital as the beneficiary of our bequest." Jane and Pete Hamilton

The Cupola Society was formed to honor donors making bequests and legacy gifts to the Friends of Bassett perpetuating Dr. Bassett’s caring tradition for generations to come. It recognizes donors whose contributions extend beyond their lifetimes to help ensure that Bassett will always be here to meet the needs of patients in communities throughout the region.Members of the Cupola Society are a part of Dr. Bassett’s continuing legacy.

PROVIDING THE FINEST CARE
When the hospital was founded, Dr. Bassett could not have imagined it would expand to the extent that it has. Today, the Bassett Healthcare Network encompasses primary care, specialty services, medical education and medical research across a geographic area of 5,000 square miles. Patients throughout the region rely upon a network comprised of affiliated hospitals, regional health centers, school-based health centers, and a skilled nursing facility. From prenatal care to skilled nursing services for the elderly, Bassett’s dedicated employees and knowledgeable professionals have built a health care system acclaimed as a model of success.

"It was important for me to give back to Bassett and pass on something for future generations. Bassett perpetuates values I hold dear. This organization was the defining place for my career and just as it was important in my life, I want to help it continue to have that impact on others." John S. Davis, M.D.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Today the cupola light continues to burn and the missions of patient care, research and education remain unchanged. Establishing a legacy gift can be simple and flexible. It can be as easy as naming the Friends of Bassett or one of Bassett programs or affiliated facilities in your will. Other strategies offer advantageous tax benefits and lifetime income today, while creating a contribution for the future. The staff at the Friends of Bassett and our planned giving advisor can help you clarify your giving goals and identify the giving option that best suits your individual needs and aspirations.

BEQUESTS
One of the easiest methods of making your legacy gift is through the inclusion of a charitable bequest to the Friends of Bassett in your will. To ensure that all your estate-planning wishes are current, it is advisable to review and update your will periodically. The next time you change or revise your will in consultation with your attorney you can make a provision donating a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to Bassett Healthcare Network for the program or facility of your choice.

LIFE INCOME GIFTS
There are a range of options that enable a donor to make a contribution that generates income during his or her lifetime. The most common method, the charitable gift annuity has been in existence for over a century. A charitable gift annuity is a simple contractual agreement between the Friends of Bassett and the donor, in which donor may contribute cash or marketable securities in a minimum of $5,000. The donor will receive fixed payments for life based upon the value of the initial contribution and age of the beneficiaries (up to two). In addition, a portion of the value of the contributed gift qualifies for an income-tax deduction.

"Bassett has made a difference in my life. I come from a giving tradition. Just as my parents did with their gift of Harrison House which is now a part of the Bassett Medical Center campus, I wanted to give back in a way that would have impact and I liked the idea of a contribution that would provide income to me during my lifetime. A gift annuity was an easy way to accomplish both goals." Barbara Mulhern

MAKING BASSETT YOUR BENEFICIARY 
You may create a legacy by gifting a life insurance policy to the Friends of Bassett or identifying the Friends as beneficiary of a new or existing policy. In the case of contributing an existing policy, a donor may take an immediate tax deduction for the accumulated cash value of the policy and future deductions of subsequent premiums paid. You may also name the Friends of Bassett as the beneficiary of a pension plan, IRA or your bank/stock account.

The Friends of Bassett has a planned giving advisor who can assist you in identifying legacy gift options that achieve your giving and financial or estate goals.We can offer more detailed information about the personal benefits of estate planning, as well as the tax benefits of charitable gifts, bequests, gifts of real property and insurance. If any of the ideas suggested in this brochure are of interest to you, please contact:

Joshua Truman, Director of Development
Friends of Bassett
One Atwell Road
Cooperstown, NY 13326
607.547.3934
joshua.truman@bassett.org