Partner in Trust — Patricia "Pat" Custer
Wonderful, Generous Donors
Even as a young girl, Patricia "Pat" Custer was a dog lover. It was a wonderful surprise when she left her estate of over $1 million to Guide Dogs of America. Those who knew her were well aware of her thriftiness, but all were amazed by the amount she was able to gift GDA. Pat began her career as a secretary at NBC in Hollywood, CA. In 1973 she became the bookkeeper for the newly formed Corporate Productions Inc. (CPI) and stayed with the company the rest of her career. When CPI moved to Toluca Lake, CA in the 1980s, she took on the unofficial duties of tending its backyard garden. After retiring, she could be found there trimming the fruit trees and plants every weekend until her passing. She participated in the production of several fundraising videos for GDA and always found it heartwarming when she heard responses of the recipients with their new guide dogs.
Being a quiet and private individual, one couldn't have known that she had quite a history
Two More Special Ladies
When a Midwest daughter wanted to fulfill her mother's wishes, GDA was honored to be the recipient of a gift over $1 million anonymously in memory of her mother. Both mother and daughter have been long-standing contributors to GDA through many avenues; puppy sponsorships, bricks, kennel & building sponsors, funding facility upgrades to the Puppy Pre-school & Head Start programs, gifting needed items for various departments as well as donating items to our silent auction & Ride for Guides.
Over the years they traveled many times to attend our Open Houses, Graduations and other fundraising events across the country. In addition, the daughter has included GDA in her estate plans which
Guide Dogs of America is privileged to benefit from the generosity of these caring individuals. Both gifts to our endowment will continue to support our mission to place extraordinary guide dogs with the visually impaired to enhance their lives. If you would like information about becoming a Partner in Trust, please contact Zachary A. Gittlen at 818-833-6426 (office) or 818-259-6590 (cell).