Latest legacy gift highlights power of planned giving
(Seguin) — Inspired by a lifelong friendship and a deep belief in local healthcare, a new endowment has been created through the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation to strengthen the future of Guadalupe Regional Medical Center.
The foundation announces the establishment of the Susan Ranft Schmidt Endowment.
The endowment honors the life and legacy of Susan Ranft Schmidt, who passed away at the end of 2025 after a long career alongside Karen McMillan of Karen McMillan Properties. Though officially her employer, McMillan described their relationship as a true partnership and deep friendship.
McMillan praises Schmidt for all her wonderful qualities.
She says her friend was smart, industrious, committed, dependable and enthusiastic, made excellent decisions, and was totally trustworthy.
In recounting the many stories of their work and friendship, McMillan realized that the same attributes she appreciated in Schmidt were the same qualities that she admires about the staff and physicians at GRMC.
Those qualities included talented, hard-working, committed, dependable, compassionate and caring, intuitive and trustworthy.
McMillan is one of the 19 members currently leading the GRMF governing board.
Elaine Bennett, CEO of the foundation, The Susan Ranft Schmidt Endowment ensures lasting support for the hospital by providing a perpetual source of funding. She says the principal remains intact, while interest generated each year is used to help strengthen and expand hospital services for the community.
“It’s really exciting to add a another one to the list because we know people are wanting to give legacy gifts meaning they want it to be a forever gift and they believe in the mission of Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation and what it does to support Guadalupe Regional Medical Center in taking care of the community,” said Bennett.
Bennett says endowments can be created for virtually any purpose that aligns with a donor’s passion and the hospital’s mission.
“It can be for any purpose that really moves you, period. It’s your choice. We are providing the services and if it aligns, it works out really well for the family and for the hospital,” said Bennett.
Bennett says she hopes this latest gift encourages others to also give. She says the first step begins with thoughtful planning.
“If you are thinking about a gift of this nature, the first thing is to talk to your financial advisor, talk to your family and then really do some soul searching within yourself and if that answer is I really want to do this through the foundation, I would be happy to visit with you,” said Bennett.
Bennett emphasizes that gifts of all sizes are welcome and can be made at any time. She says it is all designed to support long-term growth at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center — the state’s only city- and county-run hospital.
Those interested in establishing an endowment, making a legacy gift, or contributing to an existing fund, are encouraged to contact Bennett at 830-401-7209. They can also email ebennet@grmedcenter.com.