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ONE WOMAN, ONE CORPORATION: A SHARED LEGACY
When Abigail Geisinger ambled through Danville as a child, she could not have foreseen the significance of the footprints she would leave across great portions of her home state. Perhaps inspired by first-hand accounts of the founding of our nation a half-century before she was born, or because she saw over two dozen states enter the union during her lifetime, Mrs. Geisinger’s vision for Pennsylvania’s future seemed boundless and bold.
“Abigail Geisinger had a passion for her community and wanted to do something for people,” says Larry Stetler, who served on the board of the Geisinger Foundation for almost three decades. “She felt that healthcare was the most important element needed at the time.” So, late in her life, Abigail Geisinger established an irrevocable trust, a trust which was to become the foundation of a health system that today serves citizens across the commonwealth.
“She was intuitive and insightful as well as generous,” Larry says. “She put no limitations on how the hospital trust was to be used. Instead, she simply said, ‘Make it the best.’”
AN INSPIRED PARTNERSHIP
Upon surveying others who could best advance her innovative goals, she partnered with another innovative and philanthropically like-minded corporate citizen, the forerunners of PNC Bank. The bank took seriously its charge as trustee of the Geisinger Trust, but its relationship went far beyond those tasks.
Throughout its history, PNC Bank itself has committed significant funds in support of Geisinger programs. Most recently, the corporation pledged hundreds of
thousands of dollars to the Pearsall Heart Hospital at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Marworth Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Treatment Center, in northeastern Pennsylvania. This is in addition to their on-going sponsorships for the Children’s Miracle Network and other programs.
“Geisinger is a major resource for communities throughout much of Pennsylvania,” says Peter J. Danchak, president of PNC Bank, Northeast PA. “They directly impact economic development. That’s a goal we share.”
INVESTMENTS HAVE LONG REACH
Like other corporate donors, PNC leadership believes that an investment in Geisinger is an investment in the citizenry as well.
“A successful healthcare system means good paying jobs in our communities, and access to quality healthcare directly correlates with the quality of life we enjoy here,” Peter says. “By supporting Geisinger we also reach a large population in our service area – including many of our clients, employees, shareholders and prospects.” Abigail Geisinger’s singular path, carved through the Pennsylvania landscape in 1915, remains clear. Her generosity continues to inspire gifts such as those of PNC Bank, gifts that enable Geisinger Health System to reach more than two million people today.
“We are honored that PNC and Geisinger have such a strong – and long – history which dates back to Abigail Geisinger herself,” Peter says. “She was a woman with the foresight to meet the future needs of her community. Through our support of Geisinger, we lend our hand in fulfilling her legacy.”
