Do you realize that for over 125 years Children’s Home has encouraged donors to remember our children with a bequest?  In 1876, the first annual report included a form by which a bequest could be made.  Five years later the first bequest was received in the form of an endowment.  Mr. and Mrs. Storrs established the endowment in the name of their son-in-law, David Choate Proctor.  We owe much to these and other foresighted individuals who knew the value of this time honored method of giving.  

Today, bequests are just as important to Children’s Home as they were 125 years ago.  Giving by bequest is a simple and effective way to perpetuate the services we provide to hurting children and families.  And best of all, it allows you to make a significant gift without impacting your current financial situation. 

 A bequest may take many different forms: 

·       Deciding to give a specific amount:  Naming a cash amount to be given in your will provides you with the satisfaction of determining the exact amount that will benefit our kids. 

·       Deciding to give a specific property:  You may wish to leave a specific piece of real estate or personal property for the benefit of our kids. 

·       Deciding to give a percentage:  You can give a percentage of your estate through your will.  Through this method you can provide for a gift that will adjust with the growth or decline of your estate. 

·       Deciding to give all or part of what remains:  A residuary bequest is made from the assets which remain after the executor pays all taxes, all costs, and makes all specific bequests.  You can specify that all of the remainder pass to Children’s Home, or perhaps a percentage or specific amount. 

You may also wish to leave a bequest to Children’s Home as a contingent beneficiary.  This means that Children’s Home would receive a gift from your will in the event that those individuals you have named do not survive you. 

Perhaps you would benefit from learning more about wills.  For a brochure about drafting or reviewing your will or to request a personal visit, please email Brigitte Grant.  Also, if you plan to include Children’s Home in your estate plans or have already done so, please let us know so we may properly thank you.  In addition, we'll invite you to be a part of the Walter and Mary Barker Society.  You may also wish to visit the LEAVE A LEGACY^TM website.  Here you will find more information about including Children's Home and other charities in your estate plan. 

Your assets and the needs of your family change throughout life.  As you create or update your will, consider including a charitable bequest for our children.  As in the Storrs’ case, the impact will be felt for generations to come!