Children Are Our Legacy

Anne Sargent knows that giving is a personal decision. But the Hartford-area businesswoman says including Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in her will was an easy decision to make.

"If children are our legacy, their future is made healthier and brighter by our support of Connecticut Children’s," said Sargent, a mother of two and a member of Connecticut Children’s Legacy Society, an organization whose members share a common bond of having named the Medical Center in their estate plans.

"My Legacy Society gift allows me to do something substantial for Connecticut Children’s that I would not otherwise be able to do right now," she said. "It allows me to do something more in the future—to make a lasting contribution to the Medical Center."

A personal connection

There are many reasons people may choose to make a planned gift, but for Sargent, a planned gift to Connecticut Children’s is a good choice because it will help support the next generation of pediatric care, while honoring a place that has been a big part of her life for many years.

Sargent's connection to Connecticut Children’s dates back to the mid-1990s, when she worked for an advertising agency on the naming and grand opening marketing for the Medical Center, which integrated Newington Children's Hospital, Hartford Hospital and the University of Connecticut Health Center into one on April 2, 1996.

Three years later, she was "reunited" when one of her own clients made a donation in honor of the birth of her son, Jack, on April 2, 1999.

"Eventually, I joined the Foundation Board," said Sargent, who completed nine years of service, including three years as Chair of the Board, before joining the Corporate Board.

In addition to her board memberships, Sargent has supported Connecticut Children’s in many other ways. For nearly a decade, she has hosted an annual holiday coffee that has raised some $25,000 in funds and toy donations. "Over the years, I've invited a lot of people into the fold," Sargent said. "It's a great way to spread the word about the Medical Center and the work that goes on there."

Peace of mind

"I think that we are very fortunate to have a first-class medical facility like Connecticut Children’s in our backyard," said Sargent. "Whether it's peace of mind for my own family or for those who need it for chronic care, I think we're incredibly fortunate."

Recognizing how important Connecticut Children’s is, Sargent said she and her husband, Bob, decided to revise their wills to include Connecticut Children’s in their estate. Legacy Society members can choose from a variety of giving options, such as bequests, charitable gift annuities and more.

"Giving is a personal decision," Sargent said. "But this, to me, has probably been the easiest decision I've ever made—and it's easy to do. I highly recommend it for others who want to support the Medical Center in a lasting way."