Ann Stewart, Leading by Example

Ann Stewart prefers a quiet place behind the scenes. Her passionate support of local fundraising, however, often thrusts her to the forefront – where she shares her conviction of how important it is to leave a legacy through Immanuel St. Joseph’s Foundation.

Reserved and quiet, Ann visits openly about her decision to include Immanuel St. Joseph’s—Mayo Health System in her estate plan. She insists that everyone has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, regardless of their wealth. She encourages giving through example, and tries to help others share with gifts that come from the heart.

“Most of the time I’m a pretty private person,” Ann shares. “But supporting Immanuel St. Joseph’s – and leaving a legacy – are important topics for me.”

Ann’s dedication to support  Immanuel St. Joseph’s grew from her involvement as a volunteer.  She served on the hospital board of directors for ten years, and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary for over three years. Later, her involvement as an ISJ Foundation Board member and chair offered her a unique perspective on the importance of community support in the development of a regional medical center.

“There is a real need in Mankato and surrounding communities for exceptional health care now, and for the future,” Ann says. “This is a very giving and caring community – and we need to take ownership of the health care provided here by supporting it with our gifts to ISJ Foundation.”

Ann emphasizes the importance of supporting ISJ Foundation not only by making gifts to fundraising campaigns now, but also by learning about opportunities to include legacy gifts through personal estate planning.  Ann is involved with the LEAVE A LEGACY® Mankato area program, a public awareness effort designed to inspire people to think beyond their lifespan to make a charitable bequest. She says the decision to leave a legacy is a personal one. It’s a journey Ann has traveled, and she’s eager to help others with their decision if she can.

“I decided to support Immanuel St. Joseph’s because of what I learned by serving the boards I was on,” she says. “I was fortunate enough to be able to share the vision of the heart and cancer center that is happening now. I feel good about being able to give back.”

Ann would like to remove one obstacle, if she could, that she believes can keep people from giving.

“I think there are many people out there who believe that since they don’t have unlimited wealth, they can’t give enough to matter. But every gift counts,” she says. “You don’t have to be a multimillionaire to make a difference in the lives of others.”

That difference can be made in many ways. Estate planning options and memorial gifts are tools that anyone can access. With proper planning, living gifts can result in legacy gifts.

“Leaving a legacy can be an easy process,” Ann says. Everyone has an estate, and can utilize the expertise of accountants, professional advisors and attorneys to make appropriate choices.

 “Remember Immanuel St. Joseph’s with  your gifts or in your estate plan is a private matter,” Ann says. “But once the decision is made, it’s empowering to realize that everyone has an opportunity to make a positive difference.”