Housecall

Janet Hibbs Jones worked as an educator for 43 years, and at age 91, she continues subbing at local elementary schools.

"I still love it," she said. "And I think that, most of the time, the kids like to have me there."

Her passion for early childhood development is a big reason why Hibbs Jones chose to include the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation in her estate planning. She directed her gift toward Wiggles & Giggles pediatric therapy, while noting that she's happy to support other services as needed.

"I think it's important for rural communities to have a good hospital," she said. "They contribute so much to the community."

Having high-quality services nearby makes getting care easier, she said.

"Some of us are not driving anymore, and to get into Omaha or Lincoln is a real chore," Hibbs Jones said. "We want our local hospital to have as much of the upcoming new equipment in it as possible. And those things are expensive. It's good for all of us to support our community hospital."

Recognizing generous donors through art

Hibbs Jones is a member of the Sterling Society. Since 2021, CCH has recognized this special group comprising donors who have included a charitable bequest of $5,000 or more in their will or living trust.
To honor the generosity of its Sterling Society donors, CCH's donor recognition wall at the hospital entrance features a stunning piece of metal artwork that bears the names of each member.

"We wanted it to stand out, and we're very happy it's come to fruition," said Cori Fullner, the foundation's director. "Now we just need it to grow. We would love to have to expand that artwork so we can make room for more nameplates."

In addition, Sterling Society donors can designate a specific hospital department or service to support. With other giving programs, donations often contribute to a greatest needs fund.

"We wanted to leave that up to the donors, because everybody has different services or departments they're passionate about," Fullner said.

Supporting comprehensive care

From his home near CCH, Jay Trofholz has a front-row seat to the hospital's expansions and renovations. Over the past 20 years, he said, it has grown into a full-service facility to serve Columbus and surrounding areas. As the former CCH Foundation board member points out, the hospital now has a full array of specialists and preventive health programs, such as the Columbus Wellness Center, the Columbus Fieldhouse and the Mead Family Cancer Center (coming soon!). Trofholz and his wife, Jeanine, want to help sustain these services, programs and resources for the community well into the future.

"I think the community is so fortunate to have something like this," Trofholz said. "That is the reason I gave to the Sterling Society."

Making a gift to support the CCH Foundation was a "simple procedure," he said.

"It feels good," Trofholz added. "That's the reason I did it, so families down the road will be able to enjoy and have a facility they can go to and be cared for."

Leave a legacy, get a tax break

Did you know that including the foundation in your estate planning can give you tax benefits? Ask your lawyer or estate planner to talk you through how it works. And there are several ways to give a gift. You can:

• Choose to leave a percentage of your estate to the foundation.
• Make a specific bequest, such as a certain amount of cash, securities or property.
• Make a gift from your life insurance policy.

After your lifetime, the CCH Foundation will receive your gift in whatever way you chose to give.

Categories: Sterling Society,CCH Foundation