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Professor Emeritus Walter Eckhart describes his choice of a charity gift annuity.
Audrey Geisel: Supporting Salk through the spirit of the arts
Audrey Geisel is one of San Diego's most active, generous and visible philanthropists, but for her, supporting the Salk Institute is more than a good cause; it's personal. Years ago, she worked as a nurse in the children's ward at Indiana University Medical Center, confronted daily with reminders of the need for better biomedical research and its life-changing potential. So it was only natural, after she arrived in La Jolla, that she would devote some of her energy to advancing science at the Salk.
Geisel's volunteerism at the Institute began in 1978, when she became one of the first members of the Women's Association of Salk Institute, also known as WASI. While serving with WASI, Geisel helped promote and raise awareness of the research being conducted at the Institute, supported the Salk Scholars Fund, helped raise money for a variety of projects and has been a steadfast donor to Symphony at Salk since its founding in 1996.
"The fact that the Salk is here is so meaningful and personal to me, because this is my community," she says. "We must cherish it and keep the work alive, just like the arts."
After 33 years of involvement at Salk, Geisel knows a thing or two about connection, and her generosity and dedication have made an indelible mark on the Institute.
"The Salk is a special place, and it is an honor to be a part of the legacy and the discoveries that touch all of our lives," she says.Alan Kramer: International Council Member
For over half the life of the Salk Institute—26 years— Alan Kramer has been a supporter of the Salk and a member of the International Council. Originally, he was recruited as a member of the National Council (which eventually became the International Council) by former Salk president Frederic de Hoffman. Kramer has a keen interest in basic biological science. Although he is not a scientist, intuitively he believes that unless we understand how our cells and genes work, we cannot find and substantiate potential cures and key discoveries. A lawyer who has specialized in finance throughout his successful career, he has a business background that fuels his appreciation for the discipline of basic research.
"It's like someone trying to play the piano without any understanding of the instrument and no background in music," explains Kramer. "They can hit hundreds of keys time and again, and ultimately, they might capture a tune if they are lucky. But if they learn the basics of the piano and understand how to read music and the relationship of the keys to each other, they will develop their ability to play a tune much more quickly. The same goes for basic research. Without an understanding of cellular and gene activity, we can't develop a coherent path toward therapies and cures—and certainly not in an efficient manner for maximum impact on human health."