Benefits of a Good Plan

Carol Surrell is a longtime supporter of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. In 1986, Carol was just starting her career in human relations at Hewlett-Packard Company when she joined a phone-a-thon to raise money to build a new children’s hospital at Stanford. The fundraiser was hosted by Lucile Packard, our hospital’s namesake and the wife of Hewlett-Packard co-CEO, David Packard.

“When we finished for the evening, Mrs. Packard came around and thanked each of us. I remember how gracious she was; she was just a really lovely person,” says Carol. “I was so impressed that I made my first donation then. It has always been something near and dear to my heart.”

Over the years, Carol has increased her support and made the decision to include our hospital in her estate plan by naming Packard Children’s Hospital as a beneficiary of her retirement account. Thanks to her planning, our hospital will inherit her 401(k) account after she passes and won’t pay any income tax on the distribution.

Carol likes the peace of mind in knowing it’s done. “It was a very easy process,” she says. “The investment manager for my investments was very helpful. All I needed to do was mention it to him, and he had the paperwork ready for me to sign.”

Carol also appreciates being part of an active donor community and knowing that her support helps every child have the best chance to achieve their full health potential.

“I cannot think of a better legacy to leave than to help children who are in need of life-saving treatment,” says Carol. “It just makes me feel good that the money I earned at HP all those years is going to a great cause.”

To learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your charitable goals, reach out to the Gift Planning Team.