Articles of Interest

Footprints

by Jeff Cory, CFP, ChFC,

Executive Director

Everyone leaves footprints on the sands of time. Our prints are made by the imprints of our lives on others. A person is remembered for the weight of his or her character. For marks of accomplishment. For shapes of kindness. For length of compassion. For width of personal warmth. For generosity. For values.

When we leave positive impressions behind, we enhance the lives of our friends and loved ones. We give them footprints to follow.

Thoughtful estate planning is one means we have to make a print in the sand Ð to help others recall your life and values. For example, consider the effect of a Will Bequest that includes provision for family members and resources for charitable organizations like Shell Point.

A Will Bequest makes a positive statement. When you include Shell Point in your will, you declare to your family and friends that you believe and care about the mission of Shell Point. Your parting gift becomes a lasting reminder of your values.

A Will bequest provides needed funding. Bequests are especially valuable, not only because they tend to be larger than annual gifts, but because they often come at critical times. They provide that extra boost to the organization that can make the difference between program advancement and program retrenchment.

Gifts by Will can be designated for a specific purpose or they can be unrestricted for use where needed most. They can fund endowments, such as the Friendship Fund that perpetually provide an ongoing witness to your friends and loved ones that you believe in the work of Shell Point.

A bequest encourages imitation. There's something about a well-planned estate gift that influences others to "go and do likewise." As friends and family members plan their own estates, they will recall your generosity and lasting legacy.

The Legacy Foundation is available to confidentially provide for you the information and materials you need to complete a meaningful estate plan. To arrange a personal visit, call 466-8484 for a complimentary review of your current estate plans.