Inova Alexandria Hospital Launches $10 Million Legacy of Life Campaign for bequest and estate giving

Local resident kicks-off campaign with $1.25 Million donation to hospital’s cancer center

Alexandria, VA – (July 6, 2012) – Joseph Viar, Alexandria resident and long-time supporter of Inova Alexandria Hospital, announced he will be donating $1.25 million through his estate to the hospital’s cancer center. The center will be named in his honor as the Joseph Viar and Bonnie Christ Cancer Center. Viar’s gift kicks-off the hospital’s new $10 million Legacy of Life campaign.

The gift was announced at an annual event at Viar’s home to recognize and thank donors to the hospital.   “Now at the age of 71, my children are grown and my grandchildren are thriving. I am fortunate to enjoy a full life with plenty of fishing adventures and volunteer work, said Joe Viar. “The journey to today leads me to think about the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.  After much thought, it came to me that I want to give a future gift to the hospital.”  Viar concluded his remarks by urging the assembled hospital supporters to join him in supporting the new Legacy of Life Campaign.

The Legacy of Life Campaign encourages individuals and families to support the hospital through estate and bequest giving. These allocations are a way to plan future donations for the hospital.  At the same time the donor, during his lifetime, receives recognition for the intended gift, as well as the ability to direct the gift to a particular medical department of primary interest to the donor. Knowing that the gift is in place for the future, the hospital can anticipate long-term funding potential.

“We are so pleased that Joe chose Inova Alexandria Hospital’s Cancer Center as the place to honor his name and legacy as an humanitarian,” said Christine Candio, CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital. “Estate giving is an essential part of our fundraising. At the conclusion of Project 2010, our recent expansion initiative, we found that more than 15% of the $25 million raised came from thoughtful individuals who had made bequest intentions sometimes 15 or 20 years ago.”

If you would like to learn more about the Legacy of Life Campaign, please contact Mary Myers, Executive Director, Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation at 703-504-7700.

To schedule an interview with Christine Candio or Joe Viar please call Allison Kenty at 703-504-3840.