Donor Stories-Kollar

Stephanie Kollar

Stephanie Kollar’s gifts help ensure excellent care for children

Stephanie Kollar is a true New Yorker. Born near Central Park, she has lived in Manhattan and Queens her entire life. Stephanie is an only child who had a close relationship with her parents. As a child she enjoyed cooking and sewing with her mother, and as an adult she grew into a “professional” quilter and knitter—donating the items she creates to hospitals, nursing homes, veterans and seamen.

Stephanie earned degrees from Queens, Queensborough and Baruch Colleges. She is active in the United Federation of Teachers. When she was an early childhood teacher in Queens, about 10% of the students she taught had serious health issues—sadly, two passed away before graduating. This experience along with her love for children led her to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Stephanie continued her tradition of helping children by making a financial commitment to support a dedicated children’s hospital in her own backyard. After touring the facility and meeting some of our caregivers, she started giving each year.

When Stephanie considered her legacy, she realized she could continue to make a difference even after her life. She included a gift in her will, created an income stream for life with a charitable gift annuity and designated the Hospital as a beneficiary of her retirement plan.

Stephanie is an avid Mets fan and enjoys traveling. She takes cruises with her quilting group and while on vacation she works on projects that ultimately help others.

“Health is one of the best gifts a child can get,” she says. Stephanie’s gifts and planning will ensure that children receive excellent care at a top facility for decades to come.