Susan Downie Wheeler

“Having a will is important and when I made my estate plans a few years ago Lake View was in it right next to family. I did this out of gratitude for this special institution that will be my final resting place.

My mom used to take my sister and me to visit Lake View when we were growing up. The three of us have always appreciated art and architecture, history and historic preservation, and beautiful gardens so it spoke to all of us on many levels.

Anyone can make a planned gift. If you cannot make a major gift while you are living you can make one when you are gone. You need not be a major philanthropist to make this happen. Leaving gifts of any amount, whatever level you can do, is important. If we all made planned gifts, the impact would be tremendous in terms of sustaining institutions we care deeply about.

You need not be a major philanthropist to make this happen. Leaving gifts of any amount, whatever level you can do, is important.

We are so fortunate as a community that Lake View is here in Cleveland. No matter the season it is always beautiful. I really love the daffodils in the spring, and I love the winter photos right now that are posted on Facebook capturing the first snowfall. The images of every tree and branch highlighted in white against the contrast of the tree are simply stunning. The photography exhibition mounted throughout the grounds is wonderful. The back-story behind the work of the artist who locked himself in and photographed under the moonlight is quite moving.

I now visit Lake View more frequently as it is a place of great beauty and provides personal solace. It also gives me joy to know Lake View is well cared for now and will continue to be well cared for later as others make gifts of this kind. “

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