September 11, 2024
The success of Hartford Hospital is as important as it is meaningful to Laura and Geo Estes—a married couple of 52 years, longtime philanthropic supporters of the hospital and Hartford HealthCare, and Honorary Chairs of the 1854 Society.
For Geo, a retired entrepreneur and CEO, his affinity for the hospital stretches back to his childhood in West Hartford.
“When my sister was nine years old, she got sick and a Hartford Hospital doctor saved her life,” shares Geo. “Thanks to that physician and the might of the hospital, my sister pulled through. So, Hartford Hospital’s success has always been very meaningful to me—and that goes a long way back.”
For Laura, a retired insurance executive and former member of both the Hartford Hospital Board of Directors and HHC Board of Directors, it’s the mission and commitment to excellence that kept her involved with the hospital for over 25 years.
“I believe the mission to provide excellent healthcare to everyone is critical to this region,” says Laura. “Community-based involvement is important to Geo and me and we like to support the entities that can move the ball forward for our community.”
“And that would definitely be Hartford Hospital,” adds Geo. “It has been on an amazing trajectory and Hartford HealthCare’s growth has been impressive as well. The way they deliver services is fantastic.”
The Estes Family‘s longtime commitment to Hartford Hospital is thanks in large part to its impact, trajectory, growth, and innovation. Today, they continue their service to the hospital as Honorary Chairs of the 1854 Society.
The 1854 Society recognizes donors who are planning gifts today that will provide significant benefits in the future for everyone in the hospital’s care. There are several ways to participate in the 1854 Society, including a bequest in your will, beneficiary designations, appreciated securities, and life income plans.
“When you invest in an institution, you shouldn’t base your investment solely on its history, but its future as well,” says Geo. “Hartford Hospital and Hartford HealthCare are going in the right direction quickly and my wife and I have a huge amount of respect for the leadership team. They know what they are doing.”
“The leadership loves what they do and they love the impact the organization has on the community,” agrees Laura. “And what I love, is that they are not afraid to say that they can do better. Focusing on being the best at getting better is right up our alley.”
“This investment is meaningful to us—and we’re happy that it will continue to help people in this area long after us,” says Geo.
“For us, it’s the play it forward concept—to pay it forward to the next generation. And we are very honored to do so,” shares Laura.