Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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Their Little Fighter

Abrams family

The Abrams family at Owen’s fourth birthday party

Born at only 24 weeks, Owen Abrams entered this world with a dangerously compromised immune system. His parents advocated fiercely for his life, with mom Darlene in the NICU each day, and dad Nick taking the night shift.

Owen’s fragile body required constant attention. There were frequent alterations to his treatment and almost daily changes to staff. Grandfather, Glenn, found that the family quickly learned, “Parents need to be in the hospital, advocating for their child’s life. Every. Single. Day."

When a child is critically ill, few think about the caregiver or family, and the toll it takes on their lives.

Darlene and Nick’s lengthy commute made it impossible to reach Owen quickly for what could be life-or-death decisions. Nick’s parents lived closer to the hospital, and Michelle and Glenn Abrams gladly opened their home to the couple. The entire Abrams family bonded together, rallying for “their little fighter.”

Still, Darlene and Nick needed to be even closer to their son. It was a great relief to move into the Ronald McDonald House, just steps away from little Owen’s hospital room. The House became Darlene and Nick’s on-and-off home for over two-and-a-half years.

Their steady presence with Owen made a huge difference.

Owen’s doctor told them that if they hadn’t been with him every day throughout his hospital stay, Owen wouldn’t have survived. The Ronald McDonald House kept them close to provide that continuity of care.

Parents need to be in the hospital, advocating for their child’s life. Every. Single. Day.

When a child is critically ill, “few think about the caregiver or family, and the toll it takes on their lives,” said Glenn. Nick and “Dar” could now enjoy a hot meal, bond with other family members and feel support from compassionate staff and volunteers at the House. 

Owen with his grandparents

This was a joyful day! Owen was healthy enough to visit his grandparents at their house for the first time!

When Michelle and Glenn needed to withdraw their required annual minimum distribution (RMD) from their IRA, it made “perfect sense” to direct it to helping other families at the House. The Abrams’ personal experience and commitment to giving new families a warm refuge of care brings great meaning to this gift.

What You Can Do

If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free charitable IRA gift that benefits our families, even without itemizing. By making your gift directly to a qualified charity, your support for a cause you care about goes even further.

Your tax-free gift can also be more than the amount of your RMD — up to $100,000.

If you’d like assistance with making this thoughtful gift, you may:

  1. Contact Christina Jordan at 858-598-2461 or cjordan@rmhcsd.org
  2. Download a sample IRA distribution letter

Thank you for considering an IRA donation. Answers to many of your questions about IRAs may be found under our “ Frequently Asked Questions.”

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.