For Dr. Abram Hostetter, philanthropy is a family tradition.
At the age of 10, he sat quietly on the stairs and watched as his father, then chair of the United Way of Lancaster County, conducted a board meeting in their living room.
“My father was an example to me,” he said.
When he and his wife, Pat, married, they decided to make philanthropic donations a priority. The Hostetters’ generosity has impacted many throughout their lives. They are Foundation Fellows, a designation for Foundation donors who have made a lasting commitment of a planned gift. They also led the way in establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust, which will exist in and be managed by the Foundation, making a difference for generations to come. They have made annual contributions for nearly 40 years.
In addition to his generosity of resources, Dr. Hostetter has also given of his time. While running a successful private psychiatry practice in Hershey for more than 30 years, he volunteered with many organizations, including the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He served as chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees from 1986 to 2002. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Physicians’ Health Program.
He also served as president of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, where he is a Life Fellow, and is a member of the Lebanon County Medical Society. He is a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and served as chair of its foundation, using his experience at the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society to help that organization establish a road to success. He also was an elder at Derry Presbyterian Church and on the board of the Harrisburg Symphony Association. And just as his father did, he served as chair of the United Way Board of Directors.
“I know that for a foundation to keep going, there have to be people who regularly contribute,” he said. “That’s how the foundation will survive – by having people who say, ‘this is one of my causes.’”
Dr. Hostetter believes in the work being done at the Foundation, and that is why he chooses to give.
“We are licensed, competent physicians making above average income – it’s our obligation to ensure that the people coming after us have physicians who are healthy,” he said. “That’s what the Foundation has been working at, through the PHP and LifeGuard®, and giving scholarships and loans to medical students.”
If you’re interested in making a lasting impact like Dr. Hostetter, please contact Manager of Philanthropy and Hospital Relations Lori Storm at (717) 558-7861.