Time, Talent and Treasure: Longtime Volunteer Embodies Philanthropy

Nancy Cotter retired from nursing in 1998, but she never retired from sharing her time, talent and treasure with others. Since 1990 – nearly 20 years – she has volunteered weekly in Summa Health System’s HIV Specialty Center for AIDS Research and Education, or C.A.R.E. Center on the Akron City Hospital campus. 

In addition to her weekly volunteer work, Cotter makes an annual $2,000 donation to the Summa Foundation.  She and her late husband, James, began donating years ago and Cotter continues the tradition.  The amount qualifies her for membership in the Signature Society, whose members help sustain the quality and excellence of Summa through an annual unrestricted leadership gift of $1,000 or more.

Amy Hite, M.D., director of the C.A.R.E. center, says Cotter provides much-needed assistance in the office. “Her nursing background and organizational skills make her an incredible asset to the Center. She’s straightforward in her attitude and I think our staff might be lost without her.”

The C.A.R.E. Center was just starting up around the time Cotter began thinking about retirement. “I was asked to come give a hand,” she recalls.  She spends every Monday doing administrative work in the center, which provides consults and treatment to patients infected with HIV. “Summa has paid employees to provide care,” says Cotter, noting that what she does helps the staff have more time for patients.

When told of Cotter’s annual donation to the Summa Foundation, Lou Ann Vaughan, an RN in the C.A.R.E. center says, “I had no clue but I’m not surprised … she is the most humble, modest person you would ever know.  She’s a very giving person who doesn’t make a big deal out of her generosity.”

The best part about both volunteering and donating money according to Cotter? “The ability to help others,” she says emphatically.

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