Marie D’Amato-Rizzi

Marie D’Amato-Rizzi

For Marie D’Amato-Rizzi, philanthropy began not from personal need, but from a moment of deep empathy. Years ago, while visiting someone at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, she was reminded of the heartbreak of children struggling with their health. It stopped her in her tracks. “It brought home what some families are going through,” she recalls. “It planted a seed in me to do something.”

After touring the hospital and seeing firsthand the comfort and care provided to children and their families, Marie’s resolve only deepened. “You can see how much the hospital does to relieve stress for families going through the unimaginable,” she says.

Now in her eighties and in good health, Marie has been thoughtful about how she wants to use her resources. “I realized I didn’t need to wait until I’m gone to make an impact,” she says. “I have enough to help others now.” Acting on that decision, she created a donor-advised fund (DAF) and made an initial gift through it. She also began directing her IRA’s required minimum distributions (RMDs) to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as qualified charitable distributions—a simple yet powerful way to give while also receiving tax benefits.

Marie’s practical approach to giving reflects her belief that generosity doesn’t always have to be grand to be meaningful. “I believe if you watch the pennies, the dollars will follow,” she says with a smile. “Small amounts over time add up.” Marie encourages others to consider setting up automatic monthly donations—what she calls a “painless” way to make a difference that grows steadily year after year.

For Marie D’Amato-Rizzi, giving to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is not just about leaving a legacy, but creating one now.