Wills and Bequests

Bob and Melinda wanted to help children ever since their granddaughter was stricken with a life-threatening illness. Watching the care and dedication of the medical personnel made an impression they haven't forgotten.

Not long after their granddaughter was discharged, they made a gift of appreciated stock and established a small fund. It was later, after they had met some of the staff who benefitted from their fund, that they changed their will to include a bequest that will multiply the fund significantly.

Melinda: "We felt so helpless watching that little darling when she was sick. But we knew she was receiving the best care possible. We feel, even though we tried, that we could adequately say thank you. It was out of our gratitude that we made the initial gift. It was out of joy that we added to it through a bequest!"

Bob: "Over the years, we have met with some of the people our fund helped in their professional education. Melinda and I talk together about these people and our conversations over and over. We are so grateful that we can help other children through the professionalism our fund enables."

Melinda: "I can really say now that we have been able to say thanks."

Besides the emotional rewards, this was also a wise financial move. First, there were some immediate tax benefits on the initial gift based not on the cost of the stock, but on its appreciated value. Second, their estate will benefit by having a write-off to charity through the bequest (see bequest information).

Often donors want to honor a family member or somone who has played an important role in their life. Memorials and honorariums provide an opportunity to do that and can be made through bequests.

Melinda and Bob found their experience enriched their hearts and lives. Often donors are surprised by just how wonderful the giving experience is.

Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the terms of use. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for Driscoll Children's Hospital by Future Focus.
Please report any problems to webmaster. Revised: September 10, 2003 10:14.