Philanthropists in the High Desert
In 2005, they invested in a second Charitable Gift Annuity with $250,000, which helped to fund a new Digital Catheterization Lab for the hospital and again provided an additional income stream for them. In 2007, the couple wanted to be part of the new St. Mary Medical Center that is being constructed in Victorville by investing another $750,000 in a third Charitable Gift Annuity.
After 68 years of marriage, the Lagomarsinis have gone through many health issues together and they realize how critical quality healthcare is to individuals and families. "We don't consider ourselves wealthy with money to burn," says Mildred. "It is important for us to use our money to impact other people's lives."
The Lagomarsini's worked hard all of their lives. George was an electrical engineer who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He later worked for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Once he retired, he taught at Victor Valley Community College. Mildred spent many years as a volunteer with the Camp Fire Girls.
Mildred remembers her mother telling her how important it is for everyone to help everyone else. "That's just the way we are," she said. "We love being able to do this. It has made us happier than anything else we could do."
