Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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Supporting a Cause
They Believe in

Witte family

Diana and Darrin Witte

After Diana Witte’s boys began middle school, Diana launched into volunteer work. She’d raised and protected her two beautiful sons for 13 years . Now she sought a new way to continue that care for children through a local charity. 

Diana researched several organizations before choosing to volunteer at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. She liked that keeping parents near their hospitalized child meant “the parents – and the siblings – are cared for too.” It was important to her that no one be left out of that circle of care. 

It’s important to give not only our time, but also financial support to causes we believe in.

After six months of stellar volunteer work, Diana joined our staff. She’s now been with us for over five years. Diana and her husband, Darrin, are Charter Members of our Many Hearts Legacy Society*. Remarking on their choice , Diana said, “It’s important to give not only our time, but also financial support to causes we believe in.”

The Wittes’ sons, Drew and Nate, began volunteering as well. In total, the whole family’s served at more than 20 charities since 2014. The result: an increased sense of commitment to their community.  

The Wittes' sons, Drew and Nate

The Wittes' sons, Drew and Nate.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego ultimately became the Wittes’ charity of choice. Diana and Darrin recognized that not only the vital support of volunteers, but financial donations as well, would help new families continue to find comfort and relief at the House.

The Wittes generously set up a donor-advised fund. It recommends grants to the House that benefit our families. After the Wittes’ passing, its remaining funds will help future generations of families at our House.

A Family Tradition

Every November, Drew and Nate each select a charity to support through their family’s donor-advised fund. After volunteering for several nonprofits, Nate chose San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. He included this thoughtful message with his gift: “Thank you for taking care of families during the holidays.”

The Wittes’ many levels of commitment will help future generations of families find a peaceful retreat at the House during their child’s hospitalization. We’re truly grateful for the compassion and forward thinking of this special family!

The Witte Family at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

The Witte Family at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

*Charter Membership for the Many Hearts Legacy Society closes May 31, 2019.

Starting a Donor-Advised Fund

Donor-advised funds typically can be set up and begin granting funds to qualified charities in one to two days.

  • Beyond the donor’s initial contribution, there usually are no start-up fees.
  • If they itemize, the donor will receive an income tax deduction for the amount of their initial contribution.

To Get Started:

  1. Identify a sponsoring organization that supports both your interests and the type of asset you’re considering as a funding source.
  2. Know the organization's policies and procedures — from minimum contributions to administrative fees.
  3. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  4. Contact Christina Jordan at 858-598-2461 or cjordan@rmhcsd.org to discuss using donor-advised funds to support the House and our mission.

If you include the House in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID:

Legal Name: Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, Inc.
Address: 2929 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123
Federal Tax ID Number: 95-3251490

Did You Know?

  • Contributions to donor-advised funds are deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash, and up to 30% for appreciated assets. If making the same contributions to a private foundation, deductions from your AGI are limited to only 30% and 20%, respectively. These deductions are available if you itemize your deductions.
  • Donor-advised funds don’t incur the 1-2% tax on net investment income that applies to private foundations.
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.