The Lasting Legacy of LaRue D. Ottaway: Transforming Community Through Philanthropy

One of the largest endowments of The Union City Community Foundation was established by LaRue Ottaway, who worked for the former Union City Chair Company. In 1965, Ottaway expressed his philanthropic vision in his will, designating funds for several individuals while allocating the remainder to his church and the Union City Memorial Hospital, known today as the AHN Outpatient Center.

The fund, now called the Ottaway/Saint Vincent Health Center Fund, supports the AHN Outpatient Center, along with health-related initiatives in and around the Union City area. This fund alone is now valued at more than $1.5 million.

Ottaway’s original donation laid the Foundation for the establishment of the Union City Community Foundation in 2003 and its subsequent affiliation with the Erie Community Foundation in 2006. Over the years, this single fund has awarded 200 grants and scholarships, totaling an impressive $756,128 to the Union City area, transforming lives and enhancing community resources.

The Union City Community Foundation board allocates $10,000 annually as the “Evergreen Fund” for updates to the AHN Outpatient Center. This fund significantly benefits the approximately 1,500 patients who visit the center each month by enabling the provision of essential services. It has facilitated numerous improvements to the facility and upgraded medical equipment. Thanks to Ottaway’s generosity, the AHN Outpatient Center stands as a vital asset to the Erie County community, ensuring accessible healthcare for all residents.

The Ottaway Legacy Society

To honor the legacy and foresight of LaRue Ottaway, The Union City Community Foundation founded the Ottaway Legacy Society for those who include the Foundation in their will or other estate planning. Members are inspired by the power of collective giving to invest in solutions that change lives in Union City with gifts that can be unrestricted to meet the most pressing local needs or designated to benefit a favorite nonprofit or cause. Gifts to the Legacy Society can be a bequest through a trust or will, an IRA/401K designation, or a life insurance donation, and there is no minimum.