Ron Robinson
“My fellow conservative, I failed a dear friend...”
Her name was Evelyn Peterson, and she was a kind, generous woman. She believed in inspiring young people with conservative ideas. I first became acquainted with Evelyn in 1994. She and her husband, George, were deeply concerned about America’s future. They made a $50 gift to Young America’s Foundation to help direct where our country was headed. Evelyn and George were among the first Americans to step forward to help save the Reagan Ranch in 1998. They understood the power of inspiring young people at this important Presidential site.
“I wish I had another opportunity to help Evelyn achieve her dreams.”
Sadly, George passed away in 1999. Soon after, Evelyn designated Young America’s Foundation as the primary beneficiary of her retirement plan. Evelyn felt a responsibility to preserve America’s freedom for future generations— including her own grandchildren. My last conversation with Evelyn was three days before she died. She told me she intended to be recognized as a one million dollar supporter. This was not the first time Evelyn expressed her desire to make a life-changing gift through her estate. But Evelyn never updated her plans to include the significant gift she intended to make. I miss Evelyn. I take responsibility for not working more closely with her to ensure she fulfilled her wishes. I should have asked Evelyn how I could help. But I was reluctant to seem intrusive. Conservatives are especially hesitant to impose our beliefs on others. I wish I had another opportunity to help Evelyn achieve her dreams. I failed Evelyn by not following up on her estate planning intentions. This message is my attempt to make it up to her. She would be pleased to know her story encouraged others to take the steps to ensure America’s freedoms.
Please meet with an attorney and update your estate plans to reflect your current wishes. You can help your attorney by providing this sample language: “I give, devise, and bequeath to Young America’s Foundation, tax identification number 23-7042029, 110 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170 (insert percentage, amount or nature of gift, or remainder of estate) to be used for educational purposes (or to support the Reagan Ranch and activities at the Reagan Ranch Center).” You may also designate Young America’s Foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy by filling out a simple form provided by your insurance company. If you have any questions, please call me or my colleague, Kimberly Begg, also an attorney. Kimberly and I—along with many of the Conservative Movement’s most important leaders—are members of the Ranch In The Sky Legacy Society, because we have updated our estate plans to include Young America’s Foundation. We share your commitment to our cause, and we are here to help you. Gratefully, Ron Robinson, President rrobinson@yaf.org
Note: Updating your estate plans is even more important because the Obama administration and Congress are expected to reverse the estate tax relief included in the Bush tax cuts. Forty-five percent or more of your wealth could go to the government unless you make gifts to tax-exempt organizations—including Young America’s Foundation—in your will or living trust.
National Headquarters, F. M. Kirby Freedom Center, 110 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170, 800-USA-1776, www.yaf.org The Reagan Ranch Center, 217 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, 888-USA-1776 © Copyright 2009 Young America’s Foundation