The Giving Effect

By:Audrey Gibbs, Director of Philanthropy

Doris Hildebrandt and her husband, Herb, moved to Baldwinsville in 1954. Always active in the community, Doris enjoyed volunteering while the couple raised their three daughters — Diana, Carol, and Linda. In 1996, Doris’s mother, Mildred C. Becker, became ill, was hospitalized, and then came to reside at Syracuse Home. Throughout the years of visiting her mother, Doris became increasingly appreciative of the outstanding care and attention her mother was given.

Doris has been a member of Syracuse Home Auxiliary for 27 years, and has served as Secretary, Chairman of the Hospitality Committee, assisted with Nominating, Friendly Visitors, the Bazaar, and By-Laws; she currently serves on the Foundation

Board of Directors. She has numerous connections with McHarrie Life, as a former family member, valued volunteer, resident of McHarrie Towne since 2001, and a generous donor. Doris is proud of her five grandchildren — Audra, Lindsay, Cheryl, Mark, and Ryan. Through her numerous community involvements, and long-time volunteerism at Syracuse Home; Doris is a wonderful role model for her family. Friends and family were particularly proud of Doris when she was recognized as the Baldwinsville Mildred C. Becker Volunteer Center ‘Volunteer of the Year’ in 2016. Her extraordinary generosity and gifts of time and energy to help others are truly beyond calculation. Doris’s brother, Robert W. Becker, known affectionately as “Bob,” is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he earned a B.S. degree

The Giving Effect

A Sister and Brother Create a Legacy

in Management Engineering. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict stationed at both Sampson AFB and later Pepperrell AFB in St. John’s Newfoundland. He enjoyed a 30-year career at Eastman Kodak Company as a cost accountant and financial analyst for their capital projects. A career highlight was his 3-year assignment in Brazil. There he worked in international accounting during the construction of a new paper manufacturing plant. As an active church member, he graciously offered his musical talent by playing the piano for years during Sunday services.

Bob’s hobbies include music, photography, genealogy, gardening in his “younger” days, and history. His wife of 49 years, Georgianna, is a retired operating room nurse from Rochester General Hospital. Bob recently spent several weeks at Syracuse Home Health and Rehabilitation Center. He benefited from the excellent short-term rehab he received and was able to witness firsthand the outstanding care our staff provides.

When the Foundation announced a capital campaign in 2007, Doris and Bob were among the first donors to respond with a major gift. They were so grateful that a room had been available for their Mother in her time of need; they generously underwrote a room in her memory. Their gift helped to lead the campaign that supported the building of McHarrie Place, the new nursing home, and McHarrie Pointe Assisted Living. After construction and renovations were complete, the Foundation transitioned the capital campaign into an ongoing major gifts initiative. Doris, once again, along with her brother Bob, continued their most generous giving at the major gift level. Through the generosity of our donors, we offer excellence in all we do and pursue a bright and promising vision for future residents of the McHarrie Life community. We are deeply grateful to our donors who help to make all things possible. n

Doris Hildebrandt with brother, Robert W. Becker

Every gift opens a door of opportunity for others.

Our donors help shape the next generation, the very landscape, of how our health care programs and services will continue to expand and grow, while staying true to our mission and unwavering commitment of excellence. That is the giving effect. Perhaps consider… Gift life insurance you no longer need Add a simple bequest to your estate plans Save on taxes by giving through your IRA Save on taxes by giving stocks, bonds or mutual funds Use a gift to reduce your estate tax exposure and eliminate capital gains agibbs@mcharrielife.org

For more information contact: Audrey Gibbs 315-638-2521