Why Others Give

Grace Charles

Grace Charles speaks of the generosity that VNSNY showed her sister when she was dying of cancer. That generosity, she says, is what moved her to give back.

"My sister came to the United States from Antigua for medical care," Grace recalled, "but her cancer was too far gone." A physician recommended hospice care, but neither Grace nor her sister had any way of paying for it. "VNSNY Hospice Care just came in, gave us help, and we wanted for nothing," she said. "By the time they left, we felt like family."

Grace, who lives in the Bronx, retired from her career at NBC after 20 years of service. She volunteers for Big Apple Greeter, an organization that links visitors to the city with New Yorkers for trips throughout the boroughs.

Grace knew little about VNSNY before her sister's encounter with hospice. Now she makes a contribution every year. "VNSNY never asked for payment," she said. "I can't forget that."

Lucy D. Lieberfeld

For Lucy D. Lieberfeld, a lifetime of intersections with VNSNY moved her to give. She's been a VNSNY employee, a volunteer, a patient, and now a donor. "I value my community, and I wanted to show it," said Lucy, a longtime Manhattan resident.

She began her career as a secretary in the VNSNY president's office, where she worked for several years before attending graduate school to become a social worker. As she raised her own family, she worked as a social work researcher, focusing on children's and family issues.

Later, when she volunteered, she chose VNSNY's development office. After each of two hip replacement surgeries, VNSNYnurses and physical and occupational therapists cared for Lucy at home. "They were really terrific," she recalled. So when VNSNY began accepting charitable gift annuities, she made a gift. "I've had such wonderful experiences with VNSNY," she said. "And besides, I'm very practical. A gift annuity is the gift that goes on giving to the giver."

Dennis Murphy

Dennis Murphy admired VNSNY's swift response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Reading an article in The Wall Street Journal about VNSNY nurses who rushed to the aid of seniors living in the area, he decided to become a donor.

"I was so impressed that VNSNY recognized the need and took the initiative," Dennis said, "not just for the obvious things like food and health care. VNSNYunderstood the social, emotional, and psychological impact that the attacks had on seniors living near the World Trade Center." Having elderly parents of his own, he said, "it touched a chord in me."

A senior technology manager for investment banks, Dennis is a lifelong Brooklynite. In addition to being a VNSNY donor, he also serves as a volunteer. "You reach a point in life where you have something to give back," he said. "I wanted to give to a place where I knew my money and time would make a difference."