The Best of Both Worlds

blend intransitive verb
1b: to combine into an integrated whole, 2: to produce a harmonious effect

Wesley resident Dr. Bill Freitag contributes his time, talent and treasure. Not only has he served on the Lea Hill Resident Council, he also leads the medic crew of the Emergency Response Team and is a member of the Wesley Community Foundation Board.

Bill holds a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) from Michigan State University. He owned Cat Clinic of Seattle for 28 years—one of few in the world to specialize in the care of cats. He was active in University Rotary Club and the Seattle Yacht Club (his boat's name: Cat's Meow).

He met his late wife, Jan, at Michigan State University. In 2010, the couple moved into Village Home No. 2. They traveled the world and enjoyed touring the U.S. in their RV. Thanks to his generous support, the Rehab & Care Center's patio and a private room are named in honor of Bill and Jan.

"I have enough reserves to live comfortably and also share my good fortune now with the organizations I care about. After I'm gone, I'll leave my estate to my two children and to three nonprofits. I've established a separate IRA for charitable purposes, and Wesley will be the recipient of half," Bill remarks. Outright and deferred gifts make him a blended donor.

"I love the Lea Hill community—the camaraderie and security—plus the continuum of care offering was important, especially for Jan but also for me. I'm happy to give back," says Bill.