Local Philanthropists Gary and Karen Schwartz Donate $5 Million in Support of Seattle-Based Kline Galland

Kline Galland changes name of “The Summit at First Hill” to “Mary Schwartz Summit” in honor of gift

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Kline Galland, a non-profit senior care organization, celebrates a $5 million donation from Gary and Karen Schwartz. The donation will support operational expenses at the Kline Galland Home, Kline Galland’s Community Based Services, and the newly re-named Mary Schwartz Summit, previously known as The Summit at First Hill.

“The gift that Gary and Karen have made ushers in a new era at Kline Galland,” said Jeffrey Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Kline Galland. “Their generosity will go toward filling the funding gap created by reimbursement rates, the difference between our cost of care and the rates given back to us.”

The Schwartz family are long-time supporters of Kline Galland’s mission to treat seniors with dignity and respect. Over the years they have also depended on Kline Galland to care for their own family members. The family’s gift will help Kline Galland deal with rising healthcare costs, cover the cost of uncompensated reimbursements within Medicare and Medicaid payments, and address nursing and healthcare worker shortages.

“Karen and I have a strong connection to Kline Galland, and it feels tremendous to give back to an organization that has done so much for us over the years,” said Gary Schwartz. “We’re committed to the future of Kline Galland and hope others in the community will also be inspired to lend their support in caring for our elders.”

As lifelong members of the Seattle Jewish community, the Schwartz family was motivated to place this gift when they recognized Kline Galland could uniquely meet the healthcare needs of the community’s aging population. In 2020, 14.6% of the population in King County was over 65 years old. By 2030, the percentage of people over 65 years old is estimated to rise to 18.3%. The concern for the growing aging population is exacerbated by the fact that 25 senior care facilities in the King County area have closed in the past few years.

“Now more than ever, we need to strengthen the organizations that are committed to honoring our mothers and fathers,” said Jack Almo, Board Chair of Kline Galland. “Gary and Karen’s foresight into the future of Kline Galland’s work is a transformative gift that will impact generations to come.”

The newly renamed Mary Schwartz Summit, formerly The Summit at First Hill, will be unveiled in early October of 2021. The Mary Schwartz Summit offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Support. The facility is the only Jewish retirement community in Washington state.

About Kline Galland

Kline Galland is a Seattle-based, full-service senior health care resource. For over 108 years, Kline Galland has served the King County senior care needs. Kline Galland’s mission is driven by Jewish values that honor aging by providing exceptional senior care delivered by exceptional people. Today Kline Galland serves over 15,000 residents, patients and family members yearly. Kline Galland is the trusted partner of over 60 community referral programs and remains Washington State’s only hospice operated within a Jewish environment, and hosts the largest Transitional Care/Rehab unit in the state of Washington.