Both Ruth and her husband, Stewart Hancock, grew up in families in which charitable giving was just a part of what they did. The Hancocks understood the importance of being involved in the community early on, so giving back was always a big part of their lives. When Stew passed away, Ruth knew we would be the best recipient of gifts in his memory because the funds would be managed well and used in perpetuity to address the causes of greatest need in Central New York.
Stew and Ruth always made time to help others in need through a variety of organizations. Giving through us enabled her to memorialize his legacy of generosity and continue her own. She trusts that donations to our Community Fund, which addresses broad and changing needs in the community, will always be used to make the biggest impact possible.
“I feel lucky to call this community my home,” she said. “I know that the money I and our loved ones have given in Stew’s name will continue to make a difference far into the future through the Community Foundation’s grantmaking and initiatives.”