A Journey Built on Shared Values

Nancy and Mark Taylor’s story began in Valley Cottage, New York, where the two first met in fifth grade. Growing up, they were surrounded by what Nancy calls “a true melting pot:” friends from every background, rich and poor, living and learning together. 

Mark pursued a career in accounting and financial services, eventually working with Renaissance and Jim Simons. Nancy studied art at SUNY New Paltz, built a career in sales and graphic design, and eventually taught art to seniors. Along the way, the couple raised two children who now live in Brooklyn and Manhattan. 

Their first encounter with Robin Hood came in the mid-’90s, when Mark attended Robin Hood’s Annual Benefit. After 9/11, the couple sat with victims’ families at the event — an experience that left a permanent mark. 

Marks remembers it as “one of the most powerful things [he’d] ever seen in [his] life.” 

“It’s pure love, all of New York coming together,” Nancy adds. 

From that moment, Robin Hood became a cause the couple eagerly championed, bringing friends and family to events and sharing the organization’s mission widely. 

For them, supporting Robin Hood has been both meaningful and joyful. “I’m a big crier,” Nancy admits with a smile. “At every event, seeing people give and the good it does — it just melts me. Bringing our kids and watching them donate [on their own] — there’s nothing like that pride.” 

For Mark, the energy of generosity is contagious. “When you see people give, you feed off that spirit. It inspires you to do more. That’s one of the coolest things about Robin Hood — you want to share it with others.” 

A Planned Gift That Extends Their Legacy

Recently, Nancy and Mark ensured their support would continue for generations by naming Robin Hood as one of the beneficiaries of their estate. Each has designated a bequest as part of their five most significant planned gifts. 

“Robin Hood is the top organization we’ve supported in our lives,” Mark says. “Making a bequest is saying: this is what I cared about.” 

In addition, most of their estate will go into a charitable gift fund managed by their children, reinforcing the value of giving. “We don’t want to ruin our kids with too much money,” Nancy explains. “We want them to experience the joy of giving and pass that on to their own children.” 

Carrying Their Legacy Forward

 For Nancy and Mark, planned giving is about making a final statement of values. “No matter what we do during our lifetime, we want to be remembered for giving back,” says Mark. Nancy agrees: “I’ve always been a planner. Having a planned gift gives direction, clarity, and pride. It’s one last donation we can be proud of.” 

Nancy and Mark’s journey shows how people with extraordinary generosity can help shape the future of New York. Their decision to make Robin Hood a centerpiece of their giving ensures that children will have access to education, families will find pathways out of poverty, and communities will continue to thrive long after they are gone. 

Their legacy is a reminder that philanthropy is not just about writing checks — it’s about creating a better future for others. 

 You too can be part of this story. By making a planned gift to Robin Hood, you can ensure that your values live on, transforming lives for generations to come. Just as Nancy and Mark chose to stand with New Yorkers in need, you can leave behind a legacy of hope, equity, and opportunity. 

Join Nancy and Mark in building a stronger, fairer New York. Make Robin Hood part of your legacy.