Through planned giving, our generous donors have helped shape the future of WellSpan Philhaven and the communities we serve. These are their stories. 

George and Mae Stolzfus

As a physician, Dr. George Stolzfus found WellSpan Philhaven to be a resource that he could count on for his patients. He had family members who received the benefit of care through Philhaven, and he served on the Board of Directors for 10 years. He knew from early on that he wanted to do what he could to support WellSpan Philhaven.

“It’s a decision that my wife, Mae, and I made while I was a board member,” says George. “It was something we knew for quite a while that we wanted to do.”

George and Mae give so they can help further the mission of WellSpan Philhaven.

“We encourage anyone to make a life gift rather than just an annual gift,” he says.

“Both are valuable, but a life gift will live on and support Philhaven even when you no longer can!”

By planning ahead, you, too, can care for your loved ones now and support our ability to continue to provide care to the communities we serve. Including WellSpan Philhaven in your will is easy to arrange, simple to modify and adaptable to your needs. There are many types of bequestslet’s discuss the one that best fits your needs.

Jay and Rhoda Oberholtzer

Jay and Rhoda Oberholtzer have a long history with WellSpan Philhaven, which Jay calls a “five-star organization.” He should know — he served on the Board of Directors for 12 years, including some as Board chair.

The Oberholtzers have also seen the importance of WellSpan’s life-changing work over many years in the lives of people in the community.

“We are so fortunate to have this amazing resource that not only impacts clients but also their family, classmates, work colleagues and members of their congregation and community,” says Jay.

When Jay was on the Board and also owner in the family business, the SKH chain of family markets, he and his wife were inspired to support WellSpan Philhaven by setting up a charitable gift annuity. In retirement, it provides them with monthly income and eventually will benefit WellSpan Philhaven.

Beth and Bernie Bostwick

WellSpan Philhaven is “close to home” for Beth Bostwick in many ways. Many years ago, Beth’s aunt was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young adult. It was only at WellSpan Philhaven that her aunt realized she needed help.

Until Beth’s aunt died recently, she was thriving at a special group home. Beth credits WellSpan Philhaven with giving her aunt the vital care she needed for a better life.

Beth, who in the past enjoyed serving WellSpan Philhaven in marketing and communications, has made a planned gift as a sign of thanks for the past and hope for the future.

“As a way to show the deep gratitude I feel in my heart, my husband Bernie and I have included WellSpan Philhaven in our legacy plan and have become part of the WellSpan Philhaven Legacy Circle,” she says.

“We desire to be part of the sustainability of this amazing organization so that more individuals and families can find hope, healing and wholeness — the way mine did.”

Nancy and Jerry Brinser

Nancy and Jerry Brinser admire WellSpan Philhaven’s desire and ability to evolve. “If there’s a new program that will help more people, they will do it instead of being stuck in the same old way of doing things,” says Jerry.

Jerry and Nancy follow this same philosophy with their own estate plans. Many years ago, they took out a life insurance policy and named WellSpan Philhaven as a beneficiary.

“It was a way to give a larger gift than we could have otherwise. It’s also a way to give even after we’re no longer here,” says Jerry.

With four children and seven grandchildren, the Brinsers are leaving a legacy for their family and many others.

Consider designating WellSpan Philhaven as a beneficiary of your will, life insurance policy or IRA or when making a charitable recommendation from your donor-advised fund. The Brinsers chose a gift that allows them to care for their own family now and support WellSpan Philhaven in the future. A little forethought goes a long way.

Clair and Nancy Sauder

Over the years, WellSpan Philhaven has served family members and friends, and Nancy Sauder held a seat on the Board as well. Now, she and her husband Clair are offering their support.

“As a nurse doing psych rotations in state hospitals, then seeing the level of care at WellSpan Philhaven, I knew it was different — and that difference was really important,” says Nancy.

Nancy and Clair were compelled to help when they recognized how universal behavioral health needs are in our community and saw WellSpan Philhaven’s commitment to service.

“If you’re giving now, and hopefully everyone is, you probably want some continued support to those organizations, and there are easy ways to do that,” says Clair.

He’s right — gifts of all sizes and types combine for the greatest impact.

Join Nancy and Clair in designating WellSpan Philhaven as a beneficiary of your will, trust, life insurance policy, IRA or another retirement vehicle. When you do, you may meet your charitable goals, reduce your taxable income and create a meaningful legacy for the future, all without affecting your current assets or cash flow.

E. Glenn and Vera Nauman

Glenn Nauman’s roots with WellSpan Philhaven go back to the 1950s when his mother received care for some emotional issues after the death of his father. “It’s so good to have a place like this in the area for those who need behavioral healthcare,” he says.

In addition to their strong annual support, the Naumans have also included a generous gift for WellSpan Philhaven in their will. This gift, added to the endowment fund in their honor, will help provide services to patients who cannot afford the cost of care for many years to come.

By including WellSpan Philhaven as a beneficiary in their will, Glenn and Vera were welcomed into the Legacy Circle, a special group of supporters who have included the Foundation in their estate plans, creating a legacy that will continue to help people for generations to come.

By adding just a few words to your will, you too can make a gift in support of WellSpan Philhaven.

Victor F. and Edith Weaver

The Legacy Circle celebrates donors who support the future of WellSpan Philhaven with a gift from their estate or a life income gift. We invite you to use this booklet to learn about opportunities that might fit your legacy goals and financial plans. You’ll also read stories about why other donors joined the vital group of Legacy Circle members. Legacy Circle donors provide hope, healing and wholeness for generations to come.

The Legacy Circle was established in honor of the late Victor F. and Edith Weaver. Known most for Victor F. Weaver, Inc., a large New Holland poultry processing plant, these active church members lived out their faith personally and professionally.

Members of the Legacy Circle receive:

  • The satisfaction of promoting hope, healing and wholeness today and for future generations
  • A special listing in WellSpan Philhaven’s recognition of donors
  • Invitations to special events

Mr. Weaver, a founding and prominent member of the WellSpan Philhaven Board of Directors, led an ambitious building program to substantially increase the size of our main facility in Mt. Gretna. Additionally, Mrs. Weaver began a ministry of knitting blankets to comfort those receiving inpatient care under our roof.

The Weavers gave generously to WellSpan Philhaven’s annual appeal and funded the pavilion on campus. They also made provisions to leave a legacy beyond their lifetimes, including a major gift to WellSpan Philhaven from a trust fund. Likewise, the Foundation they created has provided for a major multi-year project to strengthen marriages and families. The Weavers’ model of love and generosity continues to be an inspiration today.

Duane and Reyna Britton

Duane and Reyna Britton know that mental healthcare is an increasing need. Having each served on boards of WellSpan entities, they believe that WellSpan Philhaven has the values and commitment to improve the lives of patients and their families.

“We want to see those services continue in our lifetime and from a legacy perspective,” says Duane.

“We looked at our future and how we were investing and wanted to go beyond our family to organizations that we truly value and would be proud to support.”

That’s why the Brittons included WellSpan Philhaven in their estate plans.

“With a gift like this, you can improve where you live, work and recreate,” says Reyna.

“We want to invest in something that’s going to be returned in the future, and we know mental healthcare will bring great returns,” adds Duane.

Consider designating WellSpan Philhaven as a beneficiary of your will, trust, life insurance policy, IRA or other retirement vehicle.

YOUR HEALTH. YOUR STORY. YOUR LEGACY.

Let’s plan it together.

When you’re ready, please get in touch with us. We’re here to discuss options that align with your goals and values and provide helpful information to share with your financial advisor or estate planner.