The Valley Medical Center Foundation Legacy Circle comprises all donors who have made or designated a planned gift to the organization. These donors received unique recognition from the VMC Foundation, and are invited to special events and other select opportunities throughout the year. Legacy Circle donors make a gift for deeply personal reasons; to honor a loved one or colleague, to endow a program and to make a lasting difference. Each story is unique. You can read two of them here.
Balaji Govindaswami, MD, MPH
Looking back over the fourteen years I was at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, I know that my decision to come there was even better than I realized earlier.
Having worked at several prestigious Southern California hospitals, I was intent on moving to a venue where my contributions would be significant to preventive pediatrics and the greater public health. Being able to work with those most in need, to have the opportunity to teach while practicing, and to participate in research were all considerations in the choice of my employer.
During those years, the VMC Foundation has been integral in my efforts. We were able to rely upon them for fundraising for essential and innovative equipment that has contributed to the quality of care in the NICU and associated programs.
The decision to name the VMC Foundation in our trust is quite simply a natural extension of our current efforts. In the same way that teaching allows me to influence future global clinical practice, a planned gift ensures that my legacy will continue. We urge anyone who has the means to consider a bequest to the Valley Medical Center Foundation. It is simple to do, has enormous impact, and is wonderfully satisfying.
Balaji Govindaswami is the former Chief of Neonatology at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Hospitals & Clinics and member of the Valley Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors
Elaine Elkin
My involvement with the VMC Foundation started back in 2005, when I donated some computer games for the Pediatric Unit. I was given a tour of the hospital, including the NICU and I saw firsthand the wonderful care that was given by the nurses. I was hooked. I fell in love with the babies in the NICU and the great nurses who care for them.
That tour was an eye opener for me, because there were so many needs; an outside place for Pediatric Physical Therapy, which gave birth to the 5th floor Pediatric Balcony Playground; new baby beds for the NICU; washing machines for the NICU; an outside Gazebo for the nurses on break and the list goes on and on.
This is why my trust includes a significant distribution to this wonderful organization. I also have the satisfaction of knowing my gifts can help to make a difference and they will continue to do so in the future.
Elaine Elkin is the Founder and President of E Two & Associates and a member of the Valley Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors.
