Lauren Ottinger’s philanthropic leadership raises $11,000 for Fred Hutchinson research

While many girls her age are focused on the adolescent pursuits associated with middle school, Lauren Ottinger is concerned with helping others. For her bat mitzvah ceremony earlier this year, she selflessly requested that all the customary celebratory gifts be donated to Fred Hutchinson instead.

“Recently, two close family friends were diagnosed with cancer. I admire them for their courage and strength,” Lauren wrote in her bat mitzvah invitation. “They have made me aware of this terrible disease and I want to help. I know how fortunate I am to be blessed with many things, including good health. I am able to live life to the fullest, and I want to help others do the same.”

Lauren’s heartfelt appeal generated gifts from 110 friends and family members, totaling more than $11,000 for cancer research.

“Lauren’s generous philanthropic leadership is remarkable, especially for someone so young,” said Robert Gerth, a Fred Hutchinson trustee. “People of all ages can learn something about life’s priorities from her example.”

Bob Kinney’s gifts to Fred Hutchinson honor his wife’s memory and provide income

Bob Kinney has been a loyal and generous supporter of Fred Hutchinson since 1997, when his wife, Frankie, was taken by breast cancer. Bob has established four charitable gift annuities in her memory and feels very strongly about doing his part to fight cancer.

“Supporting Fred Hutchinson makes sense for many reasons,” Bob said. “It is the place where scientific breakthroughs are made and where the cure for cancer will be found.”

The Seattle resident also knows that his gifts through annuities are investments in the future. “I am convinced that through the efforts of the center, future generations will not have to fear cancer.”

With each gift annuity, Bob received a federal tax deduction and fixed income for life. Annuity rates are based on one’s age (5.7 percent at age 60 to 11.3 percent at age 90).

If you would like to receive information to learn more about how gift annuities can benefit you while funding cancer research, call the Planned Giving Department at (206) 667-3396 or (800) 279-1618, extension 3396, or send an e-mail to plannedgiving@fhcrc.org.

Market Optical envisions a world without cancer

Market Optical helped their customers envision a world without cancer through a holiday promotion that supported Fred Hutchinson. From mid-November through December last year, the three eyeglass stores in Seattle and Bellevue, Wash., donated 10 percent of their sales to the center. Holding the event during the busiest season of the year, Market Optical raised $10,000 to support cancer research.

Save money while helping save lives with ‘Shop to Make a Difference’ at University Village May 14-16

Are you looking to brighten up your home decor or spring wardrobe, buy wedding or graduation gifts, or treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry?

Do your shopping at University Village the weekend of May 14-16 and you’ll not only get a 20 percent discount on your new treasures, you’ll help fight cancer!

Seattle’s University Village is encouraging customers to “Shop to Make a Difference.” Those who buy $20 shopping cards will receive 20 percent off purchases at participating stores and restaurants. All funds from sales of the cards will go to Fred Hutchinson.

For more information, contact Kit Herrod at (206) 667-5543 or University Village at (206) 523-0622.

Jennie Burwell remembers her husband

“My husband was known for solving problems in his business. By making a bequest in his memory, I’m honoring him by helping to solve the problem of cancer. I feel good about that.”

Jennie Burwell remembers her husband, Robert, as a wonderful husband and father, as well as a good man. People enjoyed dealing with him in his oil-tank business. Robert also was known for being able to solve all kinds of problems.

“Everyone liked him,” Jennie said. “They knew that whatever the problem was, he’d solve it. That’s the attitude we all need to have toward the problem of cancer. I’ve become more and more aware of how tremendously important cancer research is. So many people have cancer and the center’s work is showing us we can beat this terrible disease. My bequest and annual support are my way of honoring my husband and making a difference.”

For information on how you can make a bequest, like Jennie and many others, to help the center with its mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of human suffering and death, please call (800) 279-1618 or (206) 667-3396.