Perpetuating Important Values

 The YMCA is one of the things that has lasted in this world where so much comes and goes so quickly. It is stable, values-based, professionally managed, in touch with the public sentiment, and capable of meeting the changing conditions and needs of the future.

The YMCA is a gift that we received -- that was already here when we were born. It is a gift that we should give to those still unborn to perpetuate values that really matter.

Many friends of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley are already helping to extend its influence beyond their own lifetimes with gifts to the YMCA of a part of the assets they have accumulated over their lifetimes. Such gifts can be directed to support the overall work of the YMCA, or can be designated to support a specific YMCA branch.

The nation's tax laws provide incentives that encourage philanthropy, in recognition of the singular role charitable organizations (including the YMCA) play in meeting important needs in our society. Depending on the specific arrangement, you can expect some or all of the following benefits of a well-designed gift to the YMCA's Endowment:

• income tax savings through the charitable deduction for the value of the gift;
• avoidance of the capital-gains tax on contributions of certain kinds of property that have increased in value over time;
• income for life, for a donor and/or other beneficiaries;
• the possibility of increased spendable income with certain arrangements;
• elimination of federal estate tax on the value of a gift passing to the YMCA upon the donor's death;
• reduced estate settlement costs.

The YMCA Heritage Club

Meeting luncheons and/or cocktail parties for Heritage Club members, hosted by the YMCA, will be held at various times throughout the year and will give members an opportunity to hear firsthand about events and programs, financial status of operations and the Endowment Fund, and plans for the short and long term. Your participation can be both socially rewarding and instill the comfort knowing that you are making a meaningful difference in the lives of many youth and family YMCA members for years to come.

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley has resurrected a Heritage Club society to recognize individuals like you who have named The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, Inc., in their will or in a planned gift. By designating the Y as a beneficiary, you are ensuring the future of our community and making a difference forever. The gift may come to us either as a gift now in the form of our $500 Club, or as a planned gift. Either way- the impact is a tremendous one to our organization.

Gifts to the Endowment Fund

Planned gifts are set up through professional and financial advisors, often in consultation with other family members. They include:

Bequest through a will or trust

Naming the YMCA as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan

Designating the YMCA as the income recipient from a charitable remainder trust, lead trust, or gift annuity.

Please let us know if we are included in your estate plan through any of the above by returning the form below. We thank you very much for your gift and express our most sincere gratitude during your lifetime.

I/we have made a provision for the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, Inc. in my/our estate plan and wish to become a member of The YMCA Heritage Club.

____I/we give our permission to be included in the published listing of the Club's membership.

____I/we have made a planned gift and wish to remain anonymous.

Name(s): _______________________________________________________________

Signature(s) ______________________________ ______________________________

Date: _________________________

Address: _______________________________ Home Phone: ___________________