Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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A Volunteer’s Commitment Leads to Legacy Gift

K.C. and Linda Thompson

K.C. and Linda Thompson with “Miss Izzy.”

To K.C. Thompson, Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego was an intriguing place. He drove by the House occasionally and knew its proximity to the local children’s hospital, but that was it. A conversation with a friend changed that.

His friend’s husband, a House board member, was looking for someone to work in the planned giving area. With more than 30 years of experience as an estate planning attorney, K.C. thought he could be a good fit—and he was.

It only took one conversation with some of the House’s trustees for K.C. to be invited to join the board. After visiting the House, K.C. knew that saying yes was the right decision.

“I’ve never known anyone who has visited our San Diego Ronald McDonald House and didn’t walk away absolutely amazed,” K.C. says. “It’s a first-class operation.”

K.C. and Linda Thompson

Volunteering at Santa’s Workshop for our House guest families.

Almost seven years later, K.C.'s involvement with the House has grown. He has just completed service as chair of the board and is now chair of the board's Nominating and Governance Committee as well as continuing his service as co-chair of the Planned Giving Committee. He and the committee launched the Many Hearts Legacy Society, which recognizes those who have included Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego in their estate plans. K.C. and his wife, Linda, were the first society members.

“As chair of the Planned Giving Committee, I was a prime candidate to put my money where my mouth is,” K.C. says. “Both Linda and I wanted our gift to be the first.”

For K.C. and Linda, making a gift to the House in their estate plan was a chance to further their community commitment. Both volunteer at their church and several other nonprofits.

“We’re doing our small part to ensure the continuity of a worthy cause, and we want to make sure the House is available for the generations that follow us,” says K.C. “Importantly, we hope this article will encourage others to remember the House in their estate planning.”

Keep Families Close

Like K.C. and Linda, you can make a lasting, meaningful difference in supporting families with a child in medical crisis by including the House in your estate plan. Your foresight will help propel our San Diego Ronald McDonald House forward. Contact Christina Jordan at cjordan@rmhcsd.org or 858-598-2461 to learn 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.