Record-breaking $250K donation boosts Harry Chapin’s charity on National Guitar Day
In celebration of National Guitar Day on Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Harry Chapin Foundation announced a $250,000 donation from the estate of Patricia (“Pat”) LoTurco, a lifelong fan and New York resident inspired by Chapin’s music and his humanitarian work toward ending hunger.
“Pat was a true community connector,” said Michael Misvesky, LoTurco’s nephew. “She believed deeply in helping others and in the power of humanitarian work, and she held Harry Chapin’s legacy and spirit of service in the highest regard. Supporting causes that reflected compassion, generosity, and social responsibility was central to who she was.”
Since its inception following the legendary singer-songwriter-humanitarian’s passing in 1981, the foundation has successfully awarded over 800 grants totaling nearly $3 million. This $250,000 donation is the largest in the foundation’s history, significantly increasing its endowment.
Widely known for songs such as :”Taxi” and “W.O.L.D.”, Chapin’s musical influence remains strong. His signature number one hit song, “Cat’s in the Cradle”, was recently the focus of the 2025 documentary “Cat’s in the Cradle: The Song That Changed Our Lives”, marking the 50th anniversary of its release.
Beyond his music, Chapin maintained a commitment to raising and giving away millions of dollars to support nonprofit organizations and causes, and since 1981, the Harry Chapin Foundation has awarded grants to 430 nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including WhyHunger, co-founded by Chapin to address the root causes of hunger and poverty and build grassroots movements for food justice globally; Long Island Cares, the regional food bank he established in New York in 1980 to serve his home community; and the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in its region, named in his honor.
The recent contribution was planned by LoTurco years before her recent passing and will fund resources to support various nonprofit organizations across the United States, helping the foundation to further its mission.
“Pat didn’t just listen to the music; she took Harry’s message to heart and made it part of her own life’s plan. By designating the foundation as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy, she has provided an enduring gift that will help keep Harry’s dreams alive — ensuring his mission for human rights, human needs, and human dignity will thrive for generations to come,” said Josh Chapin, board member of the Harry Chapin Foundation and son of Harry and Sandy Chapin.
For more information about the Harry Chapin Foundation’s work or to learn of ways to make a legacy gift by including the foundation in your estate planning, please visit: www.harrychapinfoundation.org.
