Gift Planning
Gift Planning with You and the Lighthouse in Mind
Judy Van Nostrand -
"The Ultimate Volunteer"
Judy Van Nostrand is a well-known name around Lighthouse International. Almost anyone you meet in the halls will happily talk about Judy's devotion and ability to inspire. For many decades, her dynamism and charisma filled the building, touching staff, other volunteers and clients.
"Judy approached each new day with pure passion," says Dorrie Rush, Lighthouse International's Director of Advanced Accessible Technology. "She was always brimming with great ideas, and her energetic enthusiasm was highly contagious. She embraced and inspired everyone around her, and there is no question that Judy's legacy of commitment to the Lighthouse lives strong."
Judy was an active member of the Board of Directors, which she joined in 1984, and the Women's Committee, which she chaired many times. Her engagement in both committees inspired other members to become more involved. "Lighthouse was her number one devotion," says Carol Katzka, Chair of the Women's Committee.
Judy's energy and passion flowed to her work on POSH and the Scholarships and Career Awards (SCA). She could often be found soliciting donations and generating PR for POSH, New York's premier fashion fundraiser. SCA, which is one of our most inspiring programs, honors outstanding students for overcoming the challenges of vision loss. The success of these awards is a tribute to Judy's hard work and dedication.
Judy passed away in 2007. She remains a source of strength and inspiration for many of us. Her bequest to the Lighthouse of over $120,000 has been used to endow the Judy Van Nostrand Arts Award, which is presented at SCA to a graduate student who is studying creative or performing arts.
To learn more about bequests and other planned giving options, please contact Annette Dorsky, Director, Gift Planning, at (212) 821-9443 or adorsky@lighthouse.org All inquiries will be kept in strictest confidence.
The Holt Society
When you make a planned gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or a bequest, to benefit the Lighthouse, you automatically become a member of The Winifred and Edith Holt Society, named for the sisters who founded Lighthouse International in 1905. This honorary society recognizes the generosity and foresight of individuals who have made provisions for the Lighthouse in their estate plans, enabling us to continue our mission into the 21st century. Membership benefits include invitations to special events and an annual luncheon.
Enjoy the Satisfaction of Giving -- and Receiving -- Through a Charitable Gift Annuity
As many donors can attest, there is a great satisfaction that comes with giving. But did you know there's a way you can give - and receive something at the same time? More and more savvy supporters are discovering the benefits of giving through a Lighthouse charitable gift annuity.
What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is an increasingly popular "life income" gift. It is a simple contract, under which the Lighthouse makes fixed payments to you (and/or your chosen beneficiary) for life in exchange for your gift of cash or appreciated securities. The amount you receive is based on your age(s) when the gift is made and current annuity rates. A CGA may be established for the lives of up to two beneficiaries.
Benefits of a CGA
A Lighthouse CGA requires only a modest minimum contribution of $5,000 and provides you (and/or your beneficiary) with a guaranteed income for life. You also receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for a portion of your gift.
To establish a CGA, you must be at least 55 years of age. You may also establish a deferred charitable gift annuity at age 50, which will start making payments to you when you turn 65. The deferred annuity is a good way to enhance your retirement income.
And you will also enjoy knowing that your gift, the amount available to the Lighthouse once the annuity payments are terminated upon the beneficiary's death, will help future generations overcome the challenges of vision loss.
Sample One-Life and Two-Life Current Gift Annuity Rates*
| Age | Rate of Return |
| 65 | 5.7% |
| 70 | 6.1% |
| 75 | 6.7% |
| 80 | 7.6% |
| 85 | 8.9% |
| 90+ | 10.5% |
| Age | Rate of Return |
| 65/70 | 5.5% |
| 70/75 | 5.8% |
| 75/75 | 6.0% |
| 75/80 | 6.2% |
| 80/80 | 6.6% |
| 80/85 | 6.9% |
*Lighthouse International follows the rates set by the American Council on Gift Annuities. The rates above are the new rates starting on July 1, 2008.
Planned Giving Options
Bequests have long played a critical role in sustaining Lighthouse International. They offer you the opportunity to make a substantial gift without giving up assets needed during your lifetime. Through your bequest, you will make an important contribution to our work today - and help future generations who will need critical Lighthouse services in the years to come.
It is easy to include a bequest to the Lighthouse in your will or trust. A bequest costs nothing now and helps the Lighthouse plan for the future. Sample bequest language: "I give, devise and bequeath (__________) to Lighthouse International, a not-for-profit corporation with headquarters located at 111 East 59th Street, New York, NY." You can choose to designate a fixed-dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset, such as securities or real estate.
Establish a charitable remainder trust through which you or your beneficiaries receive an income for life or a term of years, and at the termination of the trust, the remainder goes to the Lighthouse.
Designate a portion of your retirement plan assets (for example, 401(k) or IRA) to the Lighthouse and avoid some of the heavy taxes levied on these assets.
Donate an existing or a new life insurance policy to the Lighthouse and make the Lighthouse the beneficiary. You can claim an immediate income tax deduction and your future premium payments are deductible.
Our Planned Giving Expert Is Here To Help You
For a personalized, free and confidential illustration of how a charitable gift annuity could work for you, or to learn more about our Planned Giving options, please contact Annette Dorsky, Director, Gift Planning, at (212) 821-9443 or via email at adorsky@lighthouse.orgOr visit our website at www.lighthouse.org/donate/planned-giving.