STEVEN GILLETTE & BRUCE LANE

Bruce and Steven enjoyed a 27-year love story before their retirement years were cut short upon their passings. A combined trust and estate gift made in support of the couple’s most cherished charities has continued their legacy of caring for others with dignity and respect.

In the case of designated funds, we use a percentage of the fund each year to award grants to nonprofits named by the donor(s). The remaining fund balance is invested, growing to keep up with inflation to increase the annual spendable allowance. Over time, the cumulative amount of grants awarded is expected to surpass the original gift used to seed the fund.

“The power of endowment takes the generosity of amazing people like Bruce and Steven and ensures that their charitable wishes persevere through generations,” said Thomas Griffith, vice president of development at the Community Foundation. “They had an interest in giving back to the communities they loved and put a plan in place to make it happen. We’re honored to be the stewards of their community legacy.”

This designated fund, which became active in 2019, is designed to perpetually support Binghamton University Foundation and Jefferson Community College Foundation, in recognition of Steven’s alma maters; Pet Project, Poverello Center, Broward House and Hospice of Central New York, to provide dignified support for those living with HIV/AIDS or other disabling/terminal conditions; CNY SPCA and Humane Society of Broward County, to promote respect, kindness and welfare for all animals; and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida, to foster advocacy, education, human services, social opportunities and personal development for the LGBTQ community.

To date, their fund has provided annual grants totaling $357,200 to the couple’s most cherished organizations, including a cumulative total of $57,152 to Hospice of Central New York over the past four years. “We are honored to have been chosen as one of the charities that Bruce and Steven selected to benefit from their legacy,” said Laurie Simpson, director of development at the Hospice Foundation of Central New York. “That ongoing support empowers our mission to administer essential care, and offer dignity and hope to patients and families facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness. We are truly grateful.”

For O’Toole, Bruce and Steven’s fund will ensure their strongly held beliefs carry on: “Steve and Bruce will be remembered as people who were committed to their family and to each other and who cared a great deal about making the world a better place for others — giving people opportunities who otherwise might not have them and taking care of all living beings with dignity and respect. Their combined legacy will enable good works to continue for generations to come.”