Leaving Behind a Lasting Legacy

Through a bequest, Mr. Awalt will forever be remembered for his generosity

To many people living in the Baltimore metropolitan area, J. Richard Awalt is best known as a Howard County home builder and real estate developer. But to the UMMS Foundation, he is remembered for something else—his generosity.

Mr. Awalt passed away of complications from Parkinson’s disease in May 2016. Through a bequest, he donated $1 million to the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital and $250,000 to the UMMS Foundation for Parkinson’s disease research.

“The generosity of Mr. Awalt and his family stretches far beyond the walls of this hospital,” says Janice Eisele, senior vice president for development at the UMMS Foundation. “This bequest will impact the lives of countless people— from children struggling to overcome a serious illness to adults with Parkinson’s disease seeking other forms of treatment. Mr. Awalt has left a deeply meaningful legacy on the entire University of Maryland community.”

Through planned giving, donors can strategize a method of charitable giving that works best for them. Planned gifts have supported capital projects, cutting-edge research, continuing education, and much more. “Thoughtful planning creates a win-win scenario between the donor and charity,” explains Eisele. “Along with potential tax benefits, you will leave a profound impact on our institution. Knowing that your assets are going toward the future health needs of countless men, women and children, will bring great satisfaction.”

Mr. Awalt’s generosity is certainly felt at UMCH, where Dr. Steven Czinn is Physician-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics. “Our physicians, nurses and staff are deeply grateful to Mr. Awalt for thinking of the children we treat, and how we can better serve them,” says Dr. Czinn. “Mr. Awalt had a particular interest in the general health and well-being of children, and his gift will support and promote general pediatric health.”

A planned gift to the University of Maryland Medical Center has a dual impact—providing for you and your family and, at the same time, securing a strong future for UMMC. Moreover, you will enjoy substantial tax benefits from a gift. Your financial and philanthropic goals can inform how and when to make a planned gift, which may include a bequest, charitable gift annuity, retained life estate, and more.

To learn about planned giving opportunities and how they might benefit you, please click here.