Ben Retta hopes to help make life better for children for generations to come — and beyond

As a Bradford Legacy Society member, Ben is among donors committed to leaving a legacy to advance the Children’s Health mission.

Looking around Ben Retta’s office, you’ll find a collection of Children’s Health memorabilia.  

The cluster of commemorative pins and photos — one of a physician performing surgery on a patient whose heart was the size of a walnut and another of that same patient smiling a year later — are telltale signs of his more than 25-year-long career.  

As a history buff who could challenge almost anyone on the hospital system’s past, Ben sees his collection of artifacts as pieces of its story. 

“They are reminders that we are the keepers of the promise to make life better for children,” he said.  

Ben’s career in the Social Work department at Children’s Health started when he was a high school student.  

Noticing how much Ben enjoyed working part time at a childcare facility, his guidance counselor asked if he had considered becoming a social worker. Although he didn’t know much about the field, he applied for an internship at Children’s Health after some encouragement. 

The internship was a pivotal moment for Ben, now the Senior Director of Social Work at Children’s Health, as it revealed his calling. 

“After helping a family on my own during my internship — that was a glorious feeling — I went to college to become a social worker, desperate to start my career,” he said. “I understood that social work is doing the most good you can, as often as you can, for as many people as you can.” 

On top of bringing his absolute best to work each day, Ben has supported Children’s Health for decades through donations and regular payroll deductions. But that wasn’t enough for him, so he included Children’s Medical Center Foundation in his will to support the future of Children’s Health. 

Ben is a proud member of the Bradford Legacy Society, which honors donors who commit to leaving a legacy by establishing an endowment or including Children’s Medical Center Foundation in their estate plans. 

The generous gifts of Bradford Legacy Society members, like Ben’s, help make the impossible possible for the next generation of kids — and beyond. 

“This group of people is dedicated to the Children’s Health mission,” Ben said. “I want to be a part of their efforts.” 

Why did you choose to include Children's Health in your legacy planning?  

About 30 years ago, after setting up long-term plans for my daughter with developmental disabilities, my wife and I began thinking about what other organizations we wanted to continue supporting long after our time. 

Choosing Children’s Health was a no-brainer. I wouldn't have the life I have if it wasn't for this place. I wouldn't have been as good of a parent to my daughter with disabilities. I wouldn't be a social worker. I wouldn't have met my wife. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet so many outstanding people and to be with them every day.  

I had set up my payroll deduction a long time ago to support Children’s Health, but I wanted to do something bigger.  

I could never give enough to this place, when you consider the impact it's had on my life. 

Why is it important for you to give back to Children’s Health beyond the critical work you already do? 

People are here because of a sense of duty. They belong here. They understand the mission. They get the purpose. Donating to Children’s Health and including it in your legacy planning increases your ripple effect here. 

What you pour into the Children’s Health mission is like a drop. How far do you want those ripples to go?  

What does it mean to you to be part of the Bradford Legacy Society? 

When I look at the names of other Bradford Legacy Society members, I feel immense pride just to be associated with them, to know that what tugs in my heart tugged at theirs as well. We are kindred spirits. 

It is an honor to be a part of this group. Being a part of this is extending the ripple.