by Lisa Lyons
Despite her longstanding commitment and many past contributions to City of Hope, Claire Gordon keeps looking for new ways to support the institution. Now the Los Angeles resident has found a new giving vehicle to ensure that her support for City of Hope’s diabetes research continues in perpetuity.
By designating her individual retirement account to benefit City of Hope upon her passing, Gordon will establish a much-needed resource: the Claire Gordon Endowed Innovator Fund in Diabetes Research. The money will not only support ongoing research and treatment programs, but also will accelerate experimental research protocols. Scientists will draw on the fund to quickly advance their studies — without having to wait for government grants that may take many months to approve.
Beckman Research Institute Director Arthur Riggs, Ph.D., played a key role in creating the endowment. Riggs was impressed with Gordon’s resolve to propel diabetes research forward. “The Claire Gordon Innovator Fund will provide support for clinical and basic research driven by new, creative ideas,” he said. “This is the type of research most needed for rapid progress toward understanding and treating diabetes.”
Gordon has supported City of Hope for more than two decades through a number of chapter affiliations, including the Board of Governors, of which she was a founding member. She has contributed nearly $1 million to the institution, and her latest gift was recognized in the Arnold J. Gordon, M.D., and Claire Gordon Esplanade leading to Cooper Auditorium.
Members of her family have suffered from diabetes, so Gordon has seen the disease’s effects firsthand. Although type 2 diabetes continues to increase worldwide, Gordon believes it is not getting the attention it deserves. Her concern, and her desire to maintain her family’s connection to City of Hope, prompted her to create the fund.
Gordon is confident that her family will continue the legacy of philanthropy, but she also hopes her gift will inspire other donors to support critical research in their estate plans in a meaningful way.
“I have a special place in my heart for City of Hope,” she said. “I care deeply about the work the physicians and researchers are doing there and hope that this fund will enable them to work toward conquering diabetes once and for all.”
