A planned giving donor may be able to increase his or her retirement income, reduce or eliminate gift, estate and capital gains taxes, as well as increase returns from low-yielding assets through the use of a well-structured planned gift to the Foundation. Many planned gift options currently available through the Foundation were mentioned as possible gift giving vehicles including bequests, beneficiary designations of life insurance or retirement plan assets, charitable annuities, charitable trusts, and gifts of property

   In recognition of a planned gift to the Foundation, a donor becomes a member of Legacy Society for life. He or she also receives a distinctive lapel pin, recognition at the Civitan International World Headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, and an invitation as a guest of honor to the President's Council reception held at international conventions. Those who have already made planned gifts are automatically members of the Legacy Society, as well as remaining Life Members of the President's Council.

   Two recent planned giving donors were recognized during the presentation for their generosity and commitment to the Foundation and its programs. Neither of these donors was an extremely wealthy individual (a common misconception about planned giving donors), but instead were individuals who through a well-structured planned gift, were able to provide for their needs, as well as benefit the Civitan International Foundation.

   Curt Thomas first mentioned Al West, a past governor of the North Carolina East District, and a wonderful Civitan who played a very important role in the creation of the Civitan International Research Center.

   Al created a charitable trust that provided income to him for his lifetime, but came to Civitan upon his death. Additionally, it was reported that he left a share of his estate to Civitan in his will. As a result of Al's careful charitable estate planning, $149,000 went to the Foundation.

   The program also honored Abby Burns, past governor of the Min-Owa District, a respected public school teacher and a devoted Civitan. Abby named Civitan as the beneficiary of a $15,000-plus annuity which provided her with life income and passed to Civitan upon her death. Abby also listed the Civitan International Foundation as the beneficiary of a $5,000 insurance policy.

   As a result, this working woman of modest means used two planned gifts to leverage the financial impact of her charitable contributions and was able to leave more than $20,000 to the Foundation, a significant legacy indeed. It was announced that both of these CMtans will be listed as Charter members of the Civitan International Legacy Society in appreciation of their charitable gifts.