Donor Stories—Stertz

Stertz Family Keeps Neighborhood Hospital Going with Gift Annuity

Fran and Edward Stertz grew up on the same block in the Bronx. Fran recalls with a smile that in the fourth grade Edward sat directly behind her and occasionally “nudged” her backside with his foot. Fran not only tolerated Ed’s “advances” but married him on November 25, 1950.

Fran was a dental hygienist for 32 years before retiring. Edward owned a linen business which he operated for 50 years in lower Manhattan. He sold the business and owned a real estate business for a few years before retiring. Fran and Edward are the proud parents of three children (a daughter and two sons) and six grandchildren.

Fran became involved in the health system before there was a health system! She began working as a volunteer at North Shore University Hospital 45 years ago, with a 35-year hiatus during that time. Both Edward and Frances have been volunteers at the Stern Family Center for Care and Rehabilitation for three years.

A charitable gift annuity is their preferred method of philanthropy for several reasons. As Edward explained, they both have received services from the hospital and they both volunteer. “We want to keep the neighborhood hospital going,” Edward said. Fran added, “We like a bit of income, too!” A CGA enables them to receive a fixed-income stream for so long as either spouse is living, with the balance passing to the health system.

When Fran isn’t busy volunteering, she coordinates “We Care Blankets,” a project that involves volunteers in knitting blankets for babies with cancer. Edward is a stone sculptor, recently took up woodcarving, and serves as treasurer of the Artist’s Network of Great Neck.