Although Dr. David Shupp passed away in 2005, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community he loved will continue to benefit from his enormous generosity for years to come. His legacy gift to Horizons Foundation - which is expected to total nearly $2.5 million - established the David M. Shupp MD Endowed Fund within Horizons' LGBT Community Endowment Fund. David's gift will make it possible for Horizons to make the first grants from the LGBT Community Endowment Fund in 2006.

A key figure in the history of the Bay Area's mental-health movement and a long-time supporter of Horizons, David dedicated his life to helping people. He served as a founder of the Community Mental Health Center at San Francisco General Hospital, director of the Mission Mental Health Center, chief of San Francisco Community Mental Health Services, and an outpatient psychiatrist specializing in lower income clients. "David was very idealistic. He went into medicine as a way to serve people and relieve suffering," said Ron Kane, a friend of David's and the executor of his estate. "At the same time, he also loved a good party," Kane laughed. David believed strongly in the potential of individuals and our community, and he was particularly interested in the issues of LGBT youth and a dedicated supporter of the arts. In recognition of his passions, grants from the David M. Shupp MD Endowed Fund will have a special focus on these areas.

"He had this twinkle in his eye and a sparkle about him. You'd want to know him when he walked in a room," said Kane. "He lived his life fully, on his own terms, but he didn't make a fuss about it."

David named Horizons as the primary beneficiary of his estate because he understood Horizons' role and impact in the community, now and into the future. "He really thought this through - it took him over a year to decide - because he wanted his legacy to be a statement to the community," said Kane. "David wanted to be remembered as a person who cared - he'd be so pleased for his gift to inspire others."

Read more donor stories...

To learn more about how planned giving can make a critical difference for you, the people you love, and your community, please contact Deb Stallings, Director of Development and Gift Planning, at 415.398.2333 x103 or dstallings@horizonsfoundation.org.