One of Countess Henrietta de Hoernle’s most recognizable quotes prior to her passing at almost 104 in Boca Raton on July 22, 2016, was “Give while you live, so you know where it goes.” The Countess lived up to those philanthropic words through her many years of giving and right up until the end of her life. She did this with great dignity, thoughtfulness and compassion for the sick, poor, disabled, elderly and homeless.
Gulfstream Goodwill Industries was the recipient of a $300,000 monetary donation presented at the hospital on July 20 by de Hoernle, who simultaneously noted all her belongings, aside from her immediate family’s most treasured assets, from her three residences would be donated to Goodwill.
“Estate in-kind donations are not unique to Goodwill, but in the case of the Countess, the donations of clothing, furniture, housewares, books, appliances and household items were very significant,” said vice president of marketing and development Brian Edwards. “As someone who knew the Countess personally and has come to know her family, this recognition by her was especially meaningful to me and Goodwill.”
Edwards, a retired Marine and chevalier in the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, held de Hoernle in the highest esteem for her sharp wit, straight talking personality and philanthropic giving in Palm Beach County, the U.S. and throughout the world. Recognized with the Grand Cross, Dame Commander of Justice, Ambassador at Large and the recipient of the Order’s highest award, the Cross of Merit, Edwards said, “The Countess embodied the spirit of the Order of St. John’s mission to care for the sick and the poor, with a very special place in her heart for veterans. She will be missed dearly, but will not be forgotten.”
“Gulfstream Goodwill is extremely grateful to the Countess and her family for their generosity in both the financial and estate in-kind donations,” said president and CEO Marvin Tanck, “both of which will fulfill some of her last wishes to have a positive and lasting impact on those who benefit from Goodwill’s many services and programs.”
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About Gulfstream Goodwill Industries:
For 50 years, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has been a leading non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of our community. We provide more than two dozen health, human and social service programs for individuals in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. For more information, visit gulfstreamgoodwill.org.