Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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Donor Stories

A Volunteer’s Commitment Leads to Legacy Gift

KC and Linda Thompson

For K.C. and Linda Thompson, making a gift to the House in their estate plan was a chance to further their community commitment, allowing us to support families far into the future. Read More

A Quiet Force for Good: Celebrating Kay Pickett

San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House is fortunate to benefit from the care and generosity of so many in our community. Sometimes, we learn that one person has chosen to make a very big difference, even in the lives of those she never met. Kathleen C. “Kay” Pickett is one of those truly remarkable souls who did just that for Ronald McDonald House families. Read More

The Gift of Peace of Mind

Keven and Celena Webb

When their young daughter, Andrea, faced multiple surgeries, Keven and Celena Webb found refuge at the House. Though Andrea passed away, the Webbs are ensuring others can stay close during critical times through a gift in their estate plan. Read More

A Gift to Help Parents Stay Strong

Debbie Day

After a heart procedure that saved her life as an infant, Debbie Day couldn't help but wonder how her parents could have benefitted from Ronald McDonald House. Now, a gift in her estate plan ensures our important work continues for other families in need of support. Read More

Donors Use Efficient & Effective Way to Help Families

Mary and Hudson Drake

Mary and Hudson Drake know firsthand that families need plenty of support when a loved one is in a medical crisis. Their IRA gifts ensure Ronald McDonald House Charities can provide that today. Read More

Helping Parents Care for Their Hospitalized Child

Jim Kuden

Jim Kuden's desire to use his assets to create a legacy led him to the San Diego Ronald McDonald House. His gift will ensure we can continue helping families stay close. Read More

Every Dollar Changes Lives

Erynn and Gabe Filkey

Gabe Filkey saw firsthand how the House benefits families when his young cousin was diagnosed with leukemia years ago. This experience inspired him and his wife, Erynn, to give back. Read More

The Best Medicine: Keeping Families Close

Lynne and Steve Wheeler

After touring the House, Steve started organizing fundraising opportunities. Now he and his wife, Lynne, are Charter Members of our Many Hearts Legacy Society. Read More

Longtime Advocate Uses IRA Distribution to Help Families

Doug Dawson

Doug Dawson knows firsthand what it's like to have a hospitalized child. Now he acts as one of the House's most devoted advocates. See how he's using his IRA to extend his impact and how you can, too. Read More

Supporting a Cause They Believe In

Witte family

Diana Witte joined our staff. Then she and her husband became Charter Members of our Many Hearts Legacy Society. Read More

Their Little Fighter

Abrams family

Grandson Owen inspired this couple to donate their annual required minimum distribution (RMD) to the House. Read More

How You Can Bring Even More Comfort to Families

Robin and Jim Olson

Robin and Jim Olson had their IRA administrator distribute a specific portion of their RMD to the House, and to two of their other favorite charities. Read More

Ensuring a Peaceful Retreat

Jeanie Caldwell

Jeanie Caldwell saw the calm families felt in RMHC-San Diego's tranquil outdoor spaces. Her planned gift will help ensure they continue to find peaceful settings at the House. Read More

Caring for Entire Families

Mullen Family

Elan and Julian Mullen were thrilled by the birth of their daughter in 2010. Serena was born petite and beautiful, with full little lips and an eagerness to join the world! But even before her birth, doctors knew she had a heart defect that required surgery. Read More

Grantor Charitable Lead Annuity Trust

Provides income payments to a qualified charitable organization for a period of years, the lives of one or more individuals or a combination of the two; after which, trust assets are paid to the donor of the trust.

A power of attorney form that transfers ownership of stock.

Securities such as stock that are in certificate (paper) form.

Investments that have increased in value since the time of their purchase.

Testamentary means bequeathed through one's will.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

I give [insert amount, percentage of the estate, or 'the rest and remainder of my estate'] to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, Inc.

Federal Tax ID #95-3251490

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor-advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to the House or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) provides income to you, as the donor of the CRT, or to other named individuals, and does so each year for life or for a period not exceeding 20 years. The remainder of the assets go to your chosen charity.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to the House as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to the House as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and the House where you agree to make a gift to the House and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.