A philanthropic spirit bridging generations part 3
A valued collection becomes a significant donation
Arnold Zuckerman, Judi Schweitzer (center) and the late Lois Zuckerman
Throughout his life, 81-year-old Tucson, Ariz., resident and devoted City of Hope supporter Arnold Zuckerman collected postage stamps as a hobby. Now, his philatelic investment is helping to save lives.
In preparation for his recent move into a retirement home, the longtime City of Hope supporter sold his prized stamp collection, valued at more than $153,000, and donated the proceeds to City of Hope. He made the gift in memory of his late wife, Lois, and his late mother, Edna, both of whom succumbed to cancer.
Lois Zuckerman died in 1997 after battling both breast and lung cancer. Prior to her illness, she served City of Hope as a member of the Fred and Gertrude Rosen Chapter, also located in Tucson.
Zuckerman, who recalls the satisfaction he felt when accompanying his wife to chapter meetings and fundraising events during their marriage, also was pleased when the Rosen chapter dedicated a memorial plaque to Lois in memory of her years of faithful service. The plaque is displayed on the Wall of Hope on the Duarte, Calif., campus.
Zuckerman’s mother, Edna, died in 1948 from stomach cancer. Also devoted to charity, she was active in the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which helped Jewish immigrants make their way to America from Europe. His mother also worked with orphaned children in the Chicago area, where Zuckerman was raised.
Stamp collecting contributed to a lifelong interest in history, influencing Zuckerman’s career path. Before retiring to Arizona, he taught history for many years at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. His surviving family includes a stepdaughter, Judi Schweitzer.
In recognition of Zuckerman’s generous gift, an elevator in Helford Clinical Research Hospital at City of Hope has been named the “Lois B. Zuckerman and Edna Zuckerman Elevator.” He hopes his gift will inspire others with valuable collections to consider their own donations to City of Hope.