Meet Our Donors

Henry and Elsie Clay
Leaving a Legacy of Compassion and Love

Both Henry and Elsie Clay have passed away now, but they have left warm memories, generous philanthropy, and even a few love notes behind as their legacy. “They were so loving,” Sally Bolger says. “Reading some of the love notes they kept always brings tears to my eyes.” Sally and her two sisters grew up next door to the Clays; but they were more like family. “Henry and Elsie were a huge part of our lives,” she says. “Although they had no kids of their own, they had a fundamental love of children.”

When Sally was two years old, she underwent extensive treatment and rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland. “I think Henry and Elsie were impressed with the care I received at Children’s Hospital—and grateful,” Sally explains. “They generously supported the hospital throughout their lives because they understood that all children need the best health care possible, and that’s what Children’s provides.”

Born on a Missouri farm in 1913, Henry Clay moved west and married his high school sweetheart, Elsie. Henry served in the Air Force during World War II, and after the war he began his career as a produce buyer for what would become Safeway Groceries in the Bay Area. Working his way up the company ladder, he became Safeway’s vice president. Elsie was the perfect partner, shouldering the challenges of an executive’s social demands.

The Clays’ spirit of love and compassion will live on through their generous bequest benefiting Children’s Hospital. This gift will link their names for years to come with a cause that was so dear to their hearts.