Dedicated donor Barbara Hosmer was influenced by two motivators: her love of nursing and her love for the children of Children's Hospital of Michigan (CHM). She knew at an early age that she would become a nurse, even taking part in the Future Nurses Club in her high school.
Barb fell under the spell of the children at CHM when she returned to the hospital following a stint as an Army civilian in a hospital in Germany, eventually becoming Director in Admitting. Barb began making special donations to the Foundation during her tenure with CHM. "It's such a special place, and I wanted to be able to promote what Children's is doing." Barb dedicated almost 40 years to her love of CHM and the children, retiring in 2010.
Aside from her ongoing financial contributions, Barb has also made a very special contribution of artwork. After taking a class in stained glass, Barb created an incredible rendering of the "Tree of Life," which is now part of the CHM chapel. She took several months to complete this labor of love, working with the artist of the original painting to select the correct colors. "I had to do it on my dining room table because that was the only place I had that was big enough to put it on," she recalls, "and I had to get it done because I was having Thanksgiving dinner at our house!"
Barb is a special donor not just because of her nursing efforts or the multiple gifts of artwork she has gifted freely but also because she has played a significant role in the success of several projects spearheaded by the CHM Foundation. Some of these include the "Dream Hope Discover Campaign," "Imagination Destination," and the child and family support programs.
Her generosity extends to the future as well. Barb and her husband Don have taken steps to include The Children's Foundation in their estate plans and would like their legacy to be used for "the greatest needs of children." Barb has no hesitation in doing so because her bond with the Foundation is strong and she is certain their wishes and intent will be achieved. "Children's is a very special place and I wanted to make sure that when we're gone our estate will have the biggest impact possible on the health and lives of children," she says.
Barb has even been able to combine her love of the arts with her goals for children's health. The planning she has created achieves her current and future goals through The Children's Foundation and also the Interlochen Center for the Arts—two organizations that nurture the wellbeing of children but in different ways. Barb intends to utilize the services of The Children's Foundation to see that the children of Michigan lead happier, healthier lives.
"I like keeping in touch with the Hospital and the Foundation provides me with valuable information," Barb says. "It's so good to know that Children's Hospital of Michigan is going to be around for a long time to come."
Barb's goals are important to her, and the Foundation takes pride in partnering with this special donor to see that those goals become a reality.
Join With Our Cause
You can follow Barb's lead and help support the mission of The Children's Foundation. To learn more, contact George Westerman at (313) 745-9344.