Harry Kilinski's (seated, center) love for family and children will live on as his legacy through an inspirational planned gift.
In looking at the life of Harry Kilinski—who grew up and lived much of his life in Detroit—it's clear that two things were important to him: family and children. The fact that he did not have children of his own certainly did not keep him from expressing his affection for them. He had a wonderful relationship with his sisters' children and grandchildren as well as his cousins, all of whom called him "Uncle Jerry."
His goddaughter and cousin, Patricia Sylvester, was particularly close to him and tells many stories about trips to Detroit's Belle Isle Park for skating adventures, restaurant outings, and other activities that gave her and other family members quality time with him.
Ms. Sylvester's daughter, Susan Treder, says, "Above all, Jerry loved children. His love for children was so strong that he could not watch a news story about a child who had been injured or was suffering from an illness."
An entrepreneur who owned his own painting and wallpapering business, Mr. Kilinski invested wisely and built a secure life that would result in significant future resources for those important people.
In his early 60s, Mr. Kilinski took an important step. He put in place a living trust to make sure his good fortune was used to provide an income for his sisters and a few other family members after his death. After a specified number of years, the remainder of his trust would be distributed to nonprofit organizations that address the social issues so important to him.
As one of those organizations, The Children's Foundation received a generous $1.135 million gift in 2017 to assist with every aspect of our mission. It will be used to further the Foundation's efforts in its five current areas of focus: nutritional wellness, mental health, abuse and neglect, oncology and cardiology research, and injury prevention.
"We are thankful to Mr. Kilinski for his incredible generosity," states Lawrence J. Burns, the Foundation's President and CEO. "This is an inspirational example of how planned giving allows individuals to leave the legacy they desire."
Your Gift is Their Future
Like Harry Kilinski, you can make a planned gift that supports our work for the health of Michigan's children for years to come. To learn more, contact George Westerman at (313) 745-9344 or GWesterman@YourChildrensFoundation.org.