World Traveling Supporters Make Unique Donation

Globetrotting supporters Lenore and Martin Gilmore visited many cities worldwide, but none touched their lives like City of Hope (COH). As a result, the couple decided a unique donation was in order.

Lenore and Martin Gilmore are devoted City of Hope supporters who gave a unique gift of real estate.

Working with the institution's Gift Planning Department, they created a real estate-funded gift annuity through the donation of an apartment building worth more than $1 million. In recognition of their generosity, a surgical suite in Helford Clinical Research Hospital bears their names. 

The couple, longtime members of the 500 Club, had personal and familial reasons for their magnanimous giving decision. The first affected Lenore directly: COH physicians had treated her for breast cancer. "The donation is a payback of sorts," said Lenore, with her eyes welling with tears. "We are so fortunate to have known City of Hope. From Dr. Wagman to the many staff members I encountered, the care that I received was something both special and inspirational."

The second reason for giving to COH was Lenore's family history, which dated back to the early days of the Medical Center. Lenore's grandmother became involved in the organization's formative years. In fact, names affiliated with her family are featured in numerous places on campus.

Martin's road to COH was not as direct. Originally from England, he settled in America in 1974. A master tailor while in London, he crafted suits for many celebrities, including The Beatles. When he arrived in America, Martin had virtually nothing to his name. He worked three jobs to buy his first building, and then continued purchasing real estate as he pursued a career at Panasonic. More than 27 years after he purchased that first building, he donated it to COH.

The Gilmores have been exemplary ambassadors for the institution as well, actively trying to recruit people they meet into COH supporters. Lenore recently passed away at home, still grateful to COH for having extended her life for many, many years. Her contributions have created a lasting legacy for us all.