Leaving a Legacy
Richard Sulzbach was a valued friend of Trinity Foundation. Over the years, we enjoyed spirited discussions laced with his dry and witty humor. Richard had a desire to make a difference, and a need to give. On September 25, 2022, Richard died leaving his entire estate of $1.5 million to Trinity Foundation.
Richard made his first leadership gift to Trinity Foundation in 2011 during the Every Option, Every Hope capital campaign. The goal of the campaign was to raise $5 million to assist with the construction of a comprehensive cancer center at Trinity Regional Medical Center.
Richard was anxious to participate because he knew the region needed a comprehensive cancer center and he knew how hard local leadership had worked to bring this service to Fort Dodge. There was also a matching gift challenge and Richard loved the idea that his gift would be doubled.
A few years later, the addition of a new emergency department piqued his interest. As part of the project, the radiology department was getting a facelift and new entrance. Richard seized the opportunity to memorialize his parents with a naming gift for the radiology entrance.
Richard lived a very low-profile life, but in his quiet way, he was a great advocate for local health care. Richard understood the financial challenges hospitals face and also knew how important a strong and vital health care system is to any community. He also recognized the positive economic impact UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge has on the Fort Dodge community.
It was that understanding that led Richard to establish the John and Elizabeth Sulzbach Memorial Endowment Fund. Richard began funding the endowment during his life and was happy knowing that at his death, he would provide a permanent income stream for capital improvements for critical departments such as the lab, radiology, cancer center or surgery.
Richard believed that creating an endowment fund was the perfect gift because it would continue to provide support long after he was gone. If you would like to learn more about making a planned gift, contact Carol Grannon at (515) 574-6794 or carol.grannon@unitypoint.org.