Raymond Woolsey
For Raymond Woolsey, staying active has always been a way of life. Growing up in New York City, Raymond was the kid who played every game he could—baseball, stickball, basketball, and more. After serving 28 years in the U.S. Army and dedicating over two decades to his career at Chase Manhattan Bank, Raymond has continued to make staying active a priority. Now, at 79, not much has changed. “I still play softball and I’m still pretty good,” Raymond says with pride. His love for the game, along with a passion for pickleball and regular gym visits, keeps him physically strong, even as he manages a history of cardiovascular issues.
But Raymond knows that staying active isn’t enough on its own. A heart attack in 2003, two stents, and a long journey of managing heart failure and other medical conditions have shown him just how vital health care and medical advancements are. “It’s important to me to remain healthy by keeping active, eating well, and maintaining regular medical visits. It’s also important to try to stay positive, spiritually connected and feel like I’m doing something good,” he shares. This is why Raymond has become deeply committed to supporting the American Heart Association.
When Raymond learned about the AHA’s work to advance life-saving research and treatments for heart disease and stroke, he saw an opportunity to give back while also securing his own future through a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). “I recently read about how I could make donations while receiving tax benefits and income, and it appealed to me—especially the idea of doing something helpful while I’m still alive.”
Through a CGA, Raymond has ensured that his legacy will live on, funding critical research that helps others who face the same heart challenges he has overcome. With a CGA, donors like Raymond can make a significant contribution to organizations like the American Heart Association while receiving fixed income for life and tax advantages. For Raymond, it’s a win-win that he can help the American Heart Association continue its mission to save lives while also securing financial peace of mind for himself.
“After all I’ve been through, I feel incredibly lucky to still be here,” Raymond says. “It’s great to celebrate my 79th birthday and still be able to do the things I love—and now, I get to give back, too.”
