Legacy Gift, a Lifetime of Giving Back
June 2, 2026
“My father was involved in many organizations and projects over the years and saw gaps in services that needed to be addressed. He was a doer and took action to close those gaps.” Dan Robinson, son of VanNess Robinson and President of NYCM Insurance
Legacy Giving
A Lifetime of Giving Back and a Lasting Legacy
VanNess Robinson was a lifelong supporter and champion of Bassett Healthcare Network, driven by a deep belief that high-quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live. As we reflect on his remarkable life, we honor his enduring legacy and his unwavering commitment to Bassett and to strengthening healthcare for rural communities across the region.
VanNess Robinson of Edmeston passed away at the age of 90 on October 11, 2025, leaving a profound impact on the community he loved. Throughout his life, Robinson was deeply committed to improving services so people could lead their best lives, with a particular focus on ensuring access to quality healthcare for rural residents. This mission guided his leadership at New York Central Mutual Insurance Company (NYCM) and his decades-long relationship with Bassett Medical Center.
In 1973, Robinson co-founded the Edmeston Community Health Clinic alongside former Bassett CEO Dr. William Streck. Together, they recognized a critical gap in access to local medical care and took decisive action to address it. The clinic was established to serve residents of the region as well as NYCM employees, providing essential healthcare close to home at a time when such access was limited. More than five decades later, the Edmeston clinic, now part of Bassett Healthcare Network, continues to deliver primary care services to the communities of Burlington and Edmeson, a reflection of their shared vison.
Robinson's dedication to community well-being extended beyond healthcare facilities. A longtime member of Edmeston's EMS squad, he also helped create the village's first ambulance service, further strengthening the local emergency response infrastructure.
A steadfast advocate for Bassett, Robinson served on the Bassett Medical Center Board of Trustees for more than 30 years. During that time, his leadership helped foster a strong and enduring corporate partnership between NYCM and Bassett, one that continues today and demonstrates how long-term, mission-driven investment in healthcare can uplift entire rural communities.
Over his lifetime, Robinson and NYCM contributed more than $1.5 million in philanthropic support to Bassett. His giving included support for the very first mobile cancer screening coach for access to lifesaving cancer screenings for those in our most remote communities. In addition, Robinson and NYCM were steadfast supporters of numerous capital campaigns to enhance Bassett's Emergency Departments, Critical Care Units, and the Bassett Heart Care Institute, and the Bassett Cancer Institute. These are investments that have had a lasting impact on patient care throughout Bassett's service area.
Through his lifelong support of Bassett Healthcare Network and his commitment to rural healthcare, VanNess Robinson leaves a legacy that continues to improve lives and inspire future generations to give back.
A Legacy that Lasts: The Power of Charitable Bequests
Stories like VanNess Robinson's remind us that some of the most meaningful gits are not measured only in dollars, but in lasting impact. Through a lifetime of service, leadership, and generosity, VanNess helped strengthen healthcare in rural central New York. Yet for many people, one of the most powerful ways to create a legacy like his is through a charitable bequest.
A bequest, a gift made through a will or estate plan, allows individuals to support causes they care deeply about, often without affecting their finances during their lifetime. For organizations like Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, bequests help ensure that essential healthcare services remain accessible for generations to come, especially in rural communities where resources are often limited.
Charitable bequests provide stability and foresight. They support long-term investments in patient care, medical technology, preventative services, and community health initiatives - exactly the kinds of efforts VanNess Robinson championed throughout his life. Whether designated for a specific program or left unrestricted to meet the greatest need, legacy gifts give nonprofits the flexibility to respond to future challenges with confidence.
Importantly, a bequest is not only for those of extraordinary means. Many donors find that even a modest percentage of their estate can make a profound difference, turning a lifetime of values into a lasting contribution to the common good.
By including Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, or another worthy cause, in their estate plans, supporters can extend their impact beyond their lifetime, honoring the people and communities that matter most to them. It is a final act of generosity that speaks volumes about who they are and what they stand for.
For more information on creating a legacy gift, visit bassett.giftlegacy.com or call Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network at (607)-547-3928. Donors who leave Bassett in their will or establish a legacy gift are recognized for their commitment as members of the Friends of Bassett Cupola Society.
