Sherry and Barry Gold never took for granted their good fortune. Childhood sweethearts, they shared a commitment to family and community, which was demonstrated in their work and in the causes they supported together.
The Golds established a donor advised fund in 1995 because, as Sherry recalls, “Barry wanted to be sure that we gave back. We were busy professionally and dedicated to raising our children Sari and Ben, but Barry found ways to live a life of service too. He was an advocate and teacher.”
At the time of his death in October 2002, Barry was a partner at Thuillez, Ford, Gold, Johnson & Butler, LLP, and shared his expertise by serving as an adjunct professor at Albany Medical College, University at Albany, and Albany Law School.
Barry was the founding chairman of the Health Law Section of the NYS Bar Association and was appointed by the governor in 1997 to the NYS Task Force on Life and the Law, where he advised NYS lawmakers on health care legislation. He was instrumental in the passage of the surrogate decision supporting Hospice and Health Care Proxy laws. In addition, Barry authored New York Health Law, which he conscientiously updated each year and often distributed free of charge to health care providers across the state.
Sherry, now retired, served as Director of Treatment Services at the Capital District Psychiatric Center. Together, they were fierce advocates for the underrepresented and worked to fight indifference, intolerance and improve the quality of life for all.
Today, the Barry Alan Gold Memorial Advised Fund is one of the Foundation’s competitive grant funds and accepts proposals from organizations that seek to improve access to legal and health care services, childcare/family services, and the arts. Sherry established grant guidelines, which honor Barry, and formed her committee with two of their dearest friends. Sherry explains, “Joann and David knew Barry and understood what made him tick. It helps to know that we share the same values and I know that our grantmaking benefits from the perspective they bring to each decision.”
BARRY ALAN GOLD MEMORIAL ADVISED FUND
IMPACT 1996 – 2020
$640,113
GRANTED TO SUPPORT 135 NONPROFITS