Couple’s Legacy Giving Creates Meaningful Impact and Tax Benefits

Posted: Monday, September 11, 2023

GRATITUDE FOR THEIR PATIENT EXPERIENCES
When George Petrokowitz suffered a heart attack nearly 30 years ago, he received emergency care at Queen of the Valley Hospital (QVH). During his stay, a volunteer from the hospital's spiritual care team visited him regularly, and these interactions were deeply meaningful to him. "She encouraged me and made me feel like tomorrow will be a good day," recalled George.

Six years after that stay, George took his future wife, Donna, on their first date-the couple has now been married for 25 years. Donna worked as an orthopedic nurse at QVH for nearly seven years before transitioning to a pulmonary clinic. "Working with my team was the best part," she shared while reflecting on her time at QVH. "It was a supportive atmosphere for nurses." Her positive feelings about the hospital inspired her twin girls to become volunteers while in high school, creating another generation of helping the community. Like her husband, Donna is also grateful for the patient care she received at QVH.

CREATING THEIR LEGACY
A native of Chicago, George remembers having a paper route as a young man. Instead of being compensated in cash, he was paid in chickens, as his family and those in his neighborhood did not have many financial resources. After serving in the Air Force, he began his successful real estate career. At his retirement, George had headed two corporations and owned several homes and apartments throughout California.

The couple generously supports dozens of charities, including Wild Wings of California and Emanate Health Foundation. For two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, they donated meals for numerous Emanate Health frontline staff on all three shifts. As they considered their estate plans, it was important for George and Donna to give back in significant ways. "We wanted to do something wonderful for the community," said Donna. The couple has established three charitable gift annuities with the Foundation through gifts of property, the proceeds of which will support the new Emergency Department-ICU at QVH.

George and Donna are proud that their giving will help supply sophisticated equipment to help future patients extend their lives. "I was excited to learn that the new facility was designed with the clinical perspective in mind," shared Donna. "Our hearts are with helping other people."

George's business savvy has helped guide their philanthropic investments. "An investor wants to invest in something secure," noted George. "With these annuities, we get a tax deduction and lifetime income." Increasingly, he is also thoughtful about the legacy he will leave. "Many people know me as a successful agent and broker/exchanger," noted George, who has served on several local investment real estate exchange chapter boards. "It is important to me for our name to be connected with something that helps and inspires other people … that's what I want my legacy to be."

To make a gift of property like George and Donna, contact Kimberly Jetton at 562.568.5700 or [email protected] .

Editor's Note: It is with a heavy heart to report that Donna Petrokowitz passed away shortly after the printing of this story in Emanate Health Foundation's fall 2023 newsletter. The Foundation extends its deepest condolences to George as it honors Donna's lasting legacy.