Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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Helping Parents Care for Their Hospitalized Child

Jim Kuden

Jim Kuden wanted to create a legacy from what he'd built over the years. This desire led him to support the House and the families we help.

Over the past 60 years, Jim Kuden developed a successful real estate business. He bought and sold many properties, and continues to be an active investor today. Jim reached a point in life where he wanted to consider his lasting impact and create a legacy from what he'd built. So, he looked for a charity that would allow his estate to benefit others.

Jim looked closely at the San Diego Ronald McDonald House because of our mission and low operating costs ratio. We invited him for what he recalls as a "whirlwind tour." On his visit, Jim saw families enjoying meals together in our spacious dining room while children let off steam in the large play yard. He watched parents relaxing with a cup of coffee, and others washing clothes in the tidy laundry rooms.

Most important to Jim was recognizing that moms and dads at our Ronald McDonald House were right across the street from the hospital. He was pleased that, "Parents are available anytime to cross the street and soothe their child."

Jim Kuden and Jeanie Caldwell

Jeanie Caldwell and Jim Kuden were honored with other Charter Members of the Many Hearts Legacy Society at Petco Park.

Though our 56 overnight guest suites are occupied every night, thousands more families visit the House each year for day services. These include nap rooms, spa showers and so much more—free of charge.

To Jim, the House relieved parents of as much pressure and responsibility as possible so they could focus on helping their child get well. "You guys didn't leave anything out!" he remarked.

"Parents are available anytime to cross the street and soothe their child."

Jim joined our Many Hearts Legacy Society as a Charter Member to continue this relief for families. Because Jim has named Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in his estate, more parents will be able to stay close to their hospitalized child and focus on their healing. We're deeply grateful for Jim's choice to care for families in this way.

What You Can Do

If you'd like to become a Many Hearts Legacy Society Charter Member, we'd be honored to have you! Charter Membership closes Oct. 15. If you have questions about joining, please contact Christina Jordan at cjordan@rmhcsd.org or 858-598-2461.

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.