Mike Rosso
As a monthly donor and member of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Mike Rosso is abundantly aware of the need to continually raise funds for patient care equipment and facilities and to develop new programs.
Now, thanks to naming the SAHF as a beneficiary in their wills, Mike and his wife, Cindy, can give to the Foundation in perpetuity.
When the couple first began preparing to create their wills, the idea of making a charitable donation in the process had not occurred to either of them. In fact, it was only after their lawyer asked if they wanted to make any charitable provisions that either of them considered the option. For Mike, plant manager at Flakeboard in Sault Ste. Marie, the decision was simple. A bequest to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation as a beneficiary was a natural step.
"Communities are made up of you, me, us," he says. "What we get out of the community is dependent upon what we put into it. The hospital is something that will help every person in the community, the young, old, healthy, and sick. It is the one place that we all will need at some point."
Mike and Cindy's decision is particularly pleasing to the Foundation because they have made the choice of a bequest through their wills while at a young age. Often, people don't realize the value of doing so until later in life.
"It is never too early to get your life plans and estate in order to invest in the future for both yourself and your beneficiaries," Mike explains. "Every bit helps, so whether a gift is large or small, you are leaving your own legacy."
Mike has devoted a significant amount of time and energy to making Sault Ste. Marie a better place to live.
"As I grew up and began experiencing personal success, I knew that I wanted to give back to the community. As you see family members age or have health concerns, you recognize the value of quality medical facilities. When I saw first-hand the results of what the Foundation does, I knew I wanted to get involved." Mike says.
In addition to previously serving on the SAHF Board of Directors, Mike is also a long-time member of the Sault Ste. Marie Safe Community Partnership Board of Directors.
Mike wants to ensure the hospital he and his family have in their community is the best it can be.
"A hospital is only bricks and mortar," he says. "It's the technology, resources, and equipment that we put into it that's really important. I want my family to be able to access local care as much as possible. The level of care we can expect is directly related to the level of support we, as a community, provide."
"A hospital is only bricks and mortar," he says. "It's the technology, resources, and equipment that we put into it that's really important. I want my family to be able to access local care as much as possible. The level of care we can expect is directly related to the level of support we, as a community, provide."
Mike and Cindy have built a strong life in the Sault with their children Christopher, 9, and Laura, 7.
Mike's actions speak louder than words. By making the SAHF a bequest, the Rossos are committed to enhancing the long- term benefit for all.