Dr. Joel Samitt: 'You Should Give Back to the Community in One Way or Another'

About to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Dr. Joel and Mrs. Joan Samitt have been actively involved in supporting Hospice & Community Care for much of their married life.

With four children and six grandchildren, they've made it a point to instill their own values of philanthropy, volunteerism and support for the community in each of their family members.

Joan is regularly involved in creating the baskets that are auctioned off annually at the Labor Day auction, as well as volunteering to visit patients at home and in nursing facilities. Joan is also a founding member of the Hospice & Community Care Women's Giving Circle, a philanthropic group.

Joel has served in many leadership capacities. He is a long-standing Board member, chaired the Physician's Division of the organization's most recent Capital Campaigns and helped to establish the Palliative Medicine Journal Club for community physicians.

Taking such an active role in a community organization has been a passion of the Samitt's, particularly after their children were living on their own. Dr. Samitt says that when individuals understand the mission and vision of Hospice & Community Care, it's hard for them not to respond in a positive way.

"You should give back to the community in one way or another, in a way that's meaningful," Joel said.

They feel that they've taught their family the importance of many values, including the importance of a good education and work ethic, finding meaningful jobs and being happy. The Samitt's have also inspired their family to support local organizations.

For instance, one of their grandchildren has Down Syndrome, and at their bar and bat mitzvahs, instead of handing out favors to guests, his cousins made donations to the local Down Syndrome association.

"You need to get out of yourself sometimes; you get very wrapped up in your immediate self and family, and it can be good to look around and see what the needs are in your community," Joan said.