by Lisa Lyons

Inspired by his fellow volunteers in the San Francisco-area Doubles Chapter, Hal Stoll has made a donation of $300,000 to the Department of Neurosciences at City of Hope. Stoll credits the dedicated support of City of Hope by chapter president Sid Levinson and Levinson's wife, Sylvia, throughout the years as the main reason for making his gift.

Stoll originally spoke with Joanne Gold, associate vice president of Development, and Heather Paslay, director of Development in the San Francisco office, about his interest in making a gift. They invited Gift Planning Officer Steve Sommers to partner with them in providing solutions to Stoll’s gift-planning needs.

In conversations with Sommers and Paslay over several months, Stoll talked about his interest in stem cell research programs, especially work under way to battle Alzheimer’s disease. "He was very impressed with the neural stem cell research being done in the Department of Neurosciences," said Sommers. "So it seemed natural that Hal designate his entire gift to that program."

Michael E. Barish, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Neurosciences, is delighted that the funds will support new research opportunities. "Hal Stoll is a very forward-thinking donor who recognizes that research into the fundamental properties of neural stem cells underlies successful use of these cells to treat chronic neurological diseases," he said. "We are fortunate to have him affiliated with our department.”

At a check presentation lunch, Levinson was genuinely moved when Stoll told him that the Levinsons' untiring efforts to further research at City of Hope prompted him to make his generous contribution. Gold is optimistic that Stoll’s gift will inspire the same kind of dedication and generosity among other Bay Area philanthropists.