Uncle Hankie’s Family Foundation
Henry T. Lievre, Sr. has been recognized, by the United Hospital Fund, for his philanthropic support and commitment to New York City’s hospital system. He is a dedicated board member, and a past Chairman of the St. Mary’s Foundation for Children, known for his contributions, leadership, and dedicated service to St. Mary’s. He has supported programs and services at St. Mary’s and provided guidance and expertise that have shaped the innovative and dynamic advances of the organization’s mission.
As President and Founder of the Independent Wealth Advisory Group, Henry provides services to individuals, families, corporations, non-profit organizations, and foundations. Prior to establishing Independent Wealth Advisory Group, he served as Vice President of tax and wealth advisory for Lehman Brothers Trust Company and team leader for the JP Morgan Chase U.S. Tax Planning Team. Mr. Lievre served as the Chairman of the Committee of Banking Institutions in Taxation and was a member of the American Bankers Association Trust and Estate Tax Committee. He was recently named as an expert in tax by the New York State Bankers Association. He has guest-lectured at many New York state colleges and has spoken nationally on the effectiveness of charitable trusts and foundations.
Henry E. Lievre, Jr.
Near and dear to Henry’s heart is the Uncle Hankie’s Family Foundation that was established in honor and memory of his son, Henry E. Lievre, Jr., who passed away in 2017 after a long battle with cancer. The impetus to create the foundation was based on a desire to preserve the memory of Henry Jr.’s love for life, his wittiness, and his devotion to his family and friends. It also was formed to capture his inner strength and the love and compassion he showed towards others. A few years before his death, Henry, known as Uncle Hankie to his family, adopted a Yorkshire Terrier dog, named Knoxville Von Puppenstein, to help him during his illness. Towards the end of his illness, when Henry Jr. became home-bound, Knoxville became his constant companion and ultimately a member of the family. Henry Jr. and Knoxville became inseparable and Knoxville provided comfort and therapy during Henry’s struggle.
Henry Jr. and his family, as his primary caretaker came to realize that pets don’t show sadness, instead, they show understanding and give unconditional love. They provide relief from the anxiety and depression that usually accompanies serious illness. They also support their caregivers in their mission.
As a member of the board at St. Mary’s, Henry Sr. knew that there was a pet therapy program in place but wanted to expand the program to provide more support. While still in its infancy, pet therapy is the main objective of Uncle Hankie’s Family Foundation.
The foundation will strive to educate caregivers about the value of the pet bond. Uncle Hankie’s Family Foundation wants to reach all pet lovers and people looking to improve their quality of life. Their hope for the future is to provide families with the things they need for their family members. Henry Edward was a past honoree at St. Mary’s Annual Golf Outing introducing many friends and business associates in the construction industry to St. Mary’s, so supporting the pet therapy program was a natural thought.
Upon visiting St. Mary’s where the pet therapy takes place, the Lievre Family was able to see firsthand the smiles and comfort that “Pumpkin” who was the dog that they followed that day, was bringing the patients such joy that day, just as Henry experienced every day with Knoxville.
Knoxville now lives with Henry sister Allison, her husband Marc and children Mason and Samantha and share custody with Henry Sr. (Coach) and Henry’s wife (Deborah). For more information about the Uncle Hankie Family Foundation visit: https://unclehankiesfamilyfoundation.org/
