Planned Giving

Generosity Builds Community

Living Generously Right Here in Northern Kentucky

Koester Family

Ted and Melissa Koester, with their two sons, both say the Foundation played a role in their first date.

As a non-profit, St. Elizabeth relies on philanthropic support to build and sustain world-class facilities, equipment, services, research and programs—to serve people right here in our own community.

Generosity comes in many forms—from sharing wealth or donating goods, to offering praise and giving time.

Meet Ted and Melissa Koester, St. Elizabeth Foundation Samaritan Society members and committee volunteers. Ted was born and raised in Northern Kentucky and Melissa has lived in the area for 20 years now.

Read about why they give their time, talent and resources to help make Northern Kentucky one of the healthiest communities in America!

Q: What do you think makes Northern Kentucky such a special community? And what role does St. Elizabeth play in that?
A: Northern Kentucky is a very special place because it's such a tight-knit community. St. Elizabeth has set some bold healthcare goals for the community, such as reducing cancer rates and deaths from cardiovascular disease. Its associates are helping to improve the health of this community as a preventive measure, not just caring for those who are sick. They truly care about the health of the people they serve.

Q: How did you become involved with the St. Elizabeth Foundation?
A: We first became involved when we were asked to model in the St. Elizabeth Foundation Style Show & Luncheon. Each year, Herzog Jewelers, Ted's family-run business, donates a piece of jewelry to be raffled off at the event, and we were excited to become more involved.

From there, I (Melissa) joined the Community Relations Committee and, later, the Samaritan Committee. Plus, it is a family tradition, as Ted's dad has been involved in the Foundation for years.

We like to say that the Foundation had a role in our first date. We were set up on a blind date by two of our friends who had decided, with the help of Ted's parents, that we should meet during the Foundation's Samaritan Dinner back in 2000. So, we went out on a blind date, and the rest, they say, is history. We were married in September 2001.

Q: How would you describe the St. Elizabeth Foundation to someone who's never heard of it?
A: A group of local friends and neighbors who donate their time and money to St. Elizabeth. Dollars raised by the Foundation help provide for new technology and comprehensive services such as the Heart & Vascular Institute, women's health screenings through the Mobile Mammography Unit and so much more. But it also touches people individually, from offering gas cards for traveling families visiting a loved one in Hospice, to stocking a closet full of clothes for patients in need.

Koester Family

Ted and Melissa Koester feel driven to help those in their neighborhood.

Q: How has being a part of the St. Elizabeth Foundation impacted your life?
A: Through this experience, we have met some amazing, caring and passionate people: both volunteers and associates of St. Elizabeth. We admire their compassion, energy and commitment. We now have a greater awareness of the needs of our community and how we can take action to help.

Q: What about St. Elizabeth's work compelled you to give?
A: We feel driven to help those here in our neighborhoods. There is such a need for high-level, compassionate care in our community, and St. Elizabeth provides that every day. Many patients who are admitted to the hospital are unable to pay, but St. Elizabeth and the Foundation are here to help. Plus, 70% of associates also give to Vision, St. Elizabeth's associate giving campaign, which speaks volumes to their commitment to the organization.

Ted and Melissa Koester's story is one of many great examples of generous volunteers who believe in the mission of the St. Elizabeth Foundation.

How can you bring your vision of generosity to life? Consider making healing a part of your legacy by remembering St. Elizabeth in your estate plans. By making a planned gift to the St. Elizabeth Foundation, you become part of the Heritage Circle — a special family that is committed to improving the health of all who live and work throughout the Northern Kentucky community.

Planned giving is a thoughtful way to fulfill your philanthropic goals while optimizing tax benefits for you and your family. If you're interested, begin by having a conversation with your financial advisor about your goals.

Then, contact St. Elizabeth Foundation at stefoundation@stelizabeth.com or (859) 301-3920 to learn more about how you can help ensure the best health for our community for years to come.