November 2010 | LL
Keeping the Dream Alive for Future Generations Message from Bob Lenarduzzi
Message from Wally Buono
It is my privilege to participate in this year’s LEAVE A LEGACY™ campaign to help generate awareness about the importance of estate planning. In my sport, much like in the good works done in communities and in business, legacies are built through hard work, perseverance, vision and execution. The well-timed pass, the assist from the corner or the well-placed free kick are all elements of a well-executed strategy that drives toward a (the) goal. For me, estate planning is much the same thing. No matter what stage in life, having a vision and working to achieve it is important. I have been deeply touched by loss – of those who lived long and interesting lives, and others who left us too soon. In so many cases, the passion that they brought to everything they did, and to everyone around them, carries on today through the works and memories of others. That is how I define legacy. In my role with the Whitecaps, I see the determination and initiative of players of all ages, coaches and parents on pitches from Quesnel to Parksville and all points in between. This determination and vision is mirrored by the many charitable organizations in our region and throughout the province that work hard to make a better future for us all. When these groups become the beneficiary of a bequest in a will, this can transform their ability to do this. I still remember the moment when I opened a letter to the Whitecaps Foundation informing us that a donor had left a very substantial gift to support our programs. This gift, which we received two years ago, has made an immeasurable difference to our ability to achieve our mission, and it is a true celebration of the generosity and vision of that donor. We all hope to leave a legacy, whether through our children, our work, or by supporting one of the wonderful charitable organizations working in BC today. I urge you to use informative materials available from LEAVE A LEGACY™ to help achieve your own dream.
Six years ago, I signed a death waiver and underwent triple by-pass surgery. I thought a lot about my family and friends during this time. I particularly remembered the kindness and unwavering support of special individuals and organizations. By no means do I recommend a heart attack to wake people up to the realization we are vulnerable. Nor do I recommend a traumatic experience to remind us how truly blessed we are. There is a better way to lay out our plans for the future. LEAVE A LEGACY™ encourages people to leave gifts for loved ones in their will, while at the same time planning a gift for charity in their will. LEAVE A LEGACY™ helps us to identify how we would like to be remembered. While many of us already give to charitable organizations through financial and volunteer support, LEAVE A LEGACY™ provides the opportunity to plan now to enhance our giving in the future. The information in this publication provides valuable tips on how each of us can develop our own personal legacy. What a good feeling it is to realize how relatively simple it can be to create a personal legacy. What an even better feeling to know that planning our legacy now will benefit countless people in the years ahead. Wally Buono General Manager and Head Coach BC Lions Football Club
Bob Lenarduzzi President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Director, Whitecaps Foundation
Message from the Chair CAGP Greater Vancouver Roundtable
Message from the Chair LEAVE A LEGACY™ Greater Vancouver
The Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) and its members are pleased to provide this LEAVE A LEGACY™ feature publication. Established in 1993, CAGP spans the country with 22 regional roundtables and over 1,300 members. We work closely with charities, their supporters and professional advisors to help make philanthropic dreams a reality through the creation of thoughtful, well-planned gifts. To fulfill this mission, CAGP provides education for its members, serves as an advocate of charitable giving policy in Canada, and provides public awareness vehicles to highlight the importance of gift planning today to build stronger communities tomorrow. As you read the stories and resource articles in this publication, please take a moment to realize the profound impact you can have by remembering a charity in your will. Legal and financial advisors can help you with this process and explain how legacy gifts can be included in your estate planning. While this supplement is part of LEAVE A LEGACY™’s annual public education campaign, it is also a testament to the individuals who support charitable organizations and to the commendable work provided by these organizations. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to contact one of the charities or gift planning professionals listed in this supplement. Paul Spelliscy Planned Giving and Major Gift Office Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow
LEAVE A LEGACY™ is a public awareness program of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. The objective of this program is to recommend every adult in Canada prepare a valid will. The program also demonstrates how easy it is to include a gift for charity in your will, while ensuring the needs of loved ones in the same document. This LEAVE A LEGACY™ publication serves as a handy reference for people when they prepare their first will or revise an existing one. As you will see in the endorsements above, we are highlighting Sports and Fitness this year as one of the many community needs for which your current and future gifts can make a difference. As we all continue to experience the afterglow of the 2010 Olympics, “Keeping the Dream Alive for Future Generations” continues, not only in fitness but in many other philanthropic pursuits such as health, education, social services, environment, arts, youth and animal welfare. Often a legacy gift is the largest charitable gift of one’s lifetime. It is an expression of what is meaningful to you and how you would like to share your passions and desires for a better tomorrow. This special gift can have a tremendous impact on transforming lives and communities in the future. Kathy Mannas, CFRE Planning Giving Officer The Salvation Army, BC Division
Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow