What a Difference $50 Makes
October 15, 2011 | By: Communications Department
In 2002, a fifty dollar check arrived at Hospice of the Comforter from a very special donor. The next year, the gift was doubled to $100. This continued each year until 2006 when the gift supported a capital campaign naming the nurses’ stations at Hospice House. That gift moved a dream to a reality, and Harriett Lake has continued to support the hospice mission every year since with gifts totaling nearly $100,000. Her public presence, famous hats, fashion statements and philanthropic challenge to the Central Florida community are well known.
“It would be a catastrophe if we didn’t have hospice in this community,” Harriett says. “Anyone who has had an experience with hospice is indebted forever. I believe in Hospice of the Comforter one-thousand percent.” Harriett has made a living legacy through her gifts, challenging others to make the same commitment to support causes they believe in. “In these difficult times, it’s my job and the job of others like me to see that payrolls are met. If this isn’t there, the mission can’t be sustained.”
Harriett and husband Hy bought several acres of land in Central Florida in the 1950s. One piece was two square miles and included Turkey Lake, “a swamp which was inaccessible except in a Jeep,” Harriett remembers. Then the Orlando Sentinel announced the arrival of major defense contractor Martin Marietta in the same area. “Hy got a call after that announcement and was offered a million dollar profit on the two square miles,” said Harriett.
After five decades of living and working in Central Florida and giving generously to many philanthropic missions through the multi- million-dollar fortune he’d made, Hymen “Hy” Lake died on December 10 at the age of 89. They were married for more than 60 years.
Harriett’s simple gift has grown, along with her passion for its mission. “We’ve got to be there for other people who need us,” Harriet says. As a result of her generosity, and others who continue to give, Hospice House has served more than 3,100 patients since opening in 2008.
To consider a gift to sustain our mission, contact Marilyn Hattaway at 407-379-0179 or MHattaway@HospiceoftheComforter.org.