At Cedars-Sinai, we are working to build a healthy and thriving community for current patients and families—but also for generations yet to come. Central to accomplishing this goal is our continued effort to expand Cedars-Sinai’s growing planned giving society.

The Bard Society—named after donors Susanne and Ervin Bard, whose unparalleled $140 million legacy gift remains the largest in the medical center’s history—recognizes individuals who have pledged to support sustainable excellence in healthcare by including Cedars-Sinai in their financial or estate plans. Through their planned gifts, Bard Society members enable Cedars-Sinai to strengthen clinical care, reshape the research landscape and raise the bar on training for emerging healthcare professionals.

"All contributions to Cedars-Sinai are valuable, but legacy gifts are particularly significant because they allow the hospital's leadership to plan for the future," said John Coleman, proud Bard Society member, life trustee and former chair of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors. "I'm thrilled to be a part of this core group of legacy donors whose generosity and vision are helping secure Cedars-Sinai as an indispensable healthcare resource for people around the globe."

Under the leadership of Cedars-Sinai President and CEO Peter Slavin, MD, the medical center, through exclusive events and other special courtesies, celebrates Bard Society members for their commitment to elevating the health status of diverse communities. The society also connects members to a network of like-minded philanthropists who understand the importance of preserving and broadening access to high-impact, high-quality care.

"We are humbled by the faith Susanne and Ervin Bard had in Cedars-Sinai by bestowing on us a remarkable gift in their estate, and we are truly grateful for every person who chooses to invest in the long-term health of our community," said Dr. Slavin. "Working together, we can achieve extraordinary things."