Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend
The Arc would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend. May the sun shine on us all!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
How to Leave a Legacy
1. Think about the causes that have been important to you and that you'd most like to help. Maybe you or someone you know has benefited from the serviceof a particular organization. Maybe you're an active volunteer or a believer in the mission of a specific organization. You might want to leave a gift in memoryof a loved one or for a specific use.
2. Call the non-profit group of your choice. It can tell you more about what it does, what opportunities are available for giving and how your gift will allow it to continue its good works.
3. Review the list of LEAVE A LEGACY Western New York Non Profit Partners as a sampling of non-profit organizations who support our message.
4. Contact your professional advisor for help. An advisor can make sure you are getting the maximum tax and legal advantages allowed for your gift. If you do not have one and need a referral, ask your friends or colleagues whom they have used. Below are some questions to ask an advisor during your selection process.
Questions to ask a prospective advisor:
1. What is your typical client like, and what are your areas of expertise? How do you prepare a plan?
2. How often will we meet once the plan is implemented and how much will the sessions cost?
3. Ask for a written agreement that outlines the services you will receive and how much they will cost.
How to contact specific professional associations Attorneys:
Bar Associationof Erie County 716-852-8687
Bar Association of Erie County Lawyer Referral Service 716-852-3100
Bar Association of the Tonawandas
Lockport Bar Association
Niagara Falls Bar Association
Genesee County Bar Association
New York State Bar Association 800-582-2452
New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 800-582-2452
CPA's with a specialty in financial/estate planning:
Estate Analysts of Western New York
American Institute of CPAs 888-999-9256
Financial Planners:
Institute of Certified Financial Planners 800-282-7526
International Association of Financial Planners 888-806-7526
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors 888-333-6659
Contact phone numbers to confirm the advisor's regulatory record and financial disclosure forms:
Security Exchange Commission 800-846-2722
North American Securities Administrators Association 888-846-2722 to check on your advisor.
National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation 800-289-9999 to check on your broker.
The National Fraud Exchange will check an advisor for a fee of $40; contact # 800-822-0416 ext. 33.
"LEAVE A LEGACY - Individauls - How to Leave a Legacy" Leave a Legacy Western New York. http://leavealegacywny.org/ (2 May 2011).
2. Call the non-profit group of your choice. It can tell you more about what it does, what opportunities are available for giving and how your gift will allow it to continue its good works.
3. Review the list of LEAVE A LEGACY Western New York Non Profit Partners as a sampling of non-profit organizations who support our message.
4. Contact your professional advisor for help. An advisor can make sure you are getting the maximum tax and legal advantages allowed for your gift. If you do not have one and need a referral, ask your friends or colleagues whom they have used. Below are some questions to ask an advisor during your selection process.
Questions to ask a prospective advisor:
1. What is your typical client like, and what are your areas of expertise? How do you prepare a plan?
2. How often will we meet once the plan is implemented and how much will the sessions cost?
3. Ask for a written agreement that outlines the services you will receive and how much they will cost.
How to contact specific professional associations Attorneys:
Bar Associationof Erie County 716-852-8687
Bar Association of Erie County Lawyer Referral Service 716-852-3100
Bar Association of the Tonawandas
Lockport Bar Association
Niagara Falls Bar Association
Genesee County Bar Association
New York State Bar Association 800-582-2452
New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 800-582-2452
CPA's with a specialty in financial/estate planning:
Estate Analysts of Western New York
American Institute of CPAs 888-999-9256
Financial Planners:
Institute of Certified Financial Planners 800-282-7526
International Association of Financial Planners 888-806-7526
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors 888-333-6659
Contact phone numbers to confirm the advisor's regulatory record and financial disclosure forms:
Security Exchange Commission 800-846-2722
North American Securities Administrators Association 888-846-2722 to check on your advisor.
National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation 800-289-9999 to check on your broker.
The National Fraud Exchange will check an advisor for a fee of $40; contact # 800-822-0416 ext. 33.
"LEAVE A LEGACY - Individauls - How to Leave a Legacy" Leave a Legacy Western New York. http://leavealegacywny.org/ (2 May 2011).
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Slots Still Available for Golf Tournament
Are you a golfer? Do you know a golfer? Well, have we got the event for you! The Arc's 32nd Annual Golf Tournament is Sunday, June 5th, and there are still a few slots available for foursomes!Registration begins at 8 AM with a shotgun start at 9 AM. There's plenty of food and beverages available (all included in the price) with breakfast, lunch on the turn, and a delicious chicken BBQ dinner after the golfing concludes. Every golfer will receive a golf shirt as a gift. There's also many raffles and lots of great prizes to be won! And the cost per golfer is only $95!
All proceeds benefit The Arc's Camp Rainbow, a summer day camp for children with and without disabilities. To register or for more information, please contact Denise Withey, Community Relations Specialist, before the event fills up at 589-5516 ext. 227.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Arc's 5K Run/Walk a Success - Thank You Sponsors & Participants!!
The Arc's 17th Annual 5K Run/Walk was held Saturday and this year was our most successful ever, raising over $2,700!! We also had a record number of 70 runners. Thank you to all who participated!A huge "Thank You" goes out to our sponsors:
Case-Nic Cookies
Sacred Heart Club
Bloom's Flower Shop
Case's Paint & Wallpaper
Country Lane Veterinary Services
E-Z Shop LLC
Fischer's News Stand
Hinspergers Poly Industries, Inc.
Medina Lions Club
Rev. Jack Richardson
RKS Plumbing
Road ID
Runner's World
June & Warren Seager
The Bank of Castile
The Book Shoppe
The Medicine Shoppe
Vision 2000
Whipple Realty
Also, thank you to our volunteers for your assistance before, during, and after the event! We couldn't do it without you!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving a Legacy
1. What is an estate? Must I have an estate in order to leave a gift? I'm not that rich?
Estate is simply a word describing any money or belongings you have at the time of your death. Most people have an estate, even if they are not wealthy. Anyone can leave a gift to a charitable organization, as well as to their family.
2. What is a bequest?
A gift, left in a will, passed on to another; something that is bequeathed; a legacy.
3. How do I leave a gift to a cause I care about?
Most people give by leaving a charitable gift in a will or a trust, or by naming a charity as benefiary of an insurance policy or a retirement plan such as an IRA. They set aside a certain dollar amount or leave a percentage of their estate. Any assets remaining after their family has been provided for are a good source for a charitable gift. Some people donate something they own, like a car, a collection of coins or other valuables, or their home. Others leave a paid-up life insurance policy, retirement account, or other financial investment. Since you arrange these types of gifts as part of your will or estate plan, they are often referred to as planned gifts.
4. Do I tell my beneficiary organization that I've left a gift to them in my will?
That is up to you. Charitable organizations do prefer that you let them know about gifts in advance. This way they can recognize your generosity and possibly use your support to encourage others to do the same. LEAVE A LEAGACY WESTERN NEW YORK has prepared a convenient Declaration of Intent that you can download and print from their website.
5. Who can help me in making a gift?
A professional advisor can get you started off on the right foot. Advisors such as a financial planner, an attorney, or an accountant will be able to advise you on the various ways in which you can make a gift. You should also touch base with the development office of the charitable organization in which you intend to support. Your final will or estate plan should be prepared by an attorney, according to the laws of the state where you reside.
6. Can I leave a gift in memory of a person or for a specific purpose?
A charitable gift is a wonderful way to recognize someone who made a difference in your life. You also may want to give to a specific cause like medical research or a scholarship fund. This kind of memorial gift can be specified in your will. Consult your professional advisors and the charities you are considering, for specific details on how to arrange this type of gift.
7. Why should I leave a gift?
As the name says, you truly will LEAVE A LEGACY by supporting organizations through a will or estate. Your generosity could play a major role in the development and growth of an organization for years to come.
"LEAVE A LEGACY - Individuals - Frequently Asked Questions" Leave a Legacy Western New York. http://leavealegacywny.org/ ( 2 May 2011)
Estate is simply a word describing any money or belongings you have at the time of your death. Most people have an estate, even if they are not wealthy. Anyone can leave a gift to a charitable organization, as well as to their family.
2. What is a bequest?
A gift, left in a will, passed on to another; something that is bequeathed; a legacy.
3. How do I leave a gift to a cause I care about?
Most people give by leaving a charitable gift in a will or a trust, or by naming a charity as benefiary of an insurance policy or a retirement plan such as an IRA. They set aside a certain dollar amount or leave a percentage of their estate. Any assets remaining after their family has been provided for are a good source for a charitable gift. Some people donate something they own, like a car, a collection of coins or other valuables, or their home. Others leave a paid-up life insurance policy, retirement account, or other financial investment. Since you arrange these types of gifts as part of your will or estate plan, they are often referred to as planned gifts.
4. Do I tell my beneficiary organization that I've left a gift to them in my will?
That is up to you. Charitable organizations do prefer that you let them know about gifts in advance. This way they can recognize your generosity and possibly use your support to encourage others to do the same. LEAVE A LEAGACY WESTERN NEW YORK has prepared a convenient Declaration of Intent that you can download and print from their website.
5. Who can help me in making a gift?
A professional advisor can get you started off on the right foot. Advisors such as a financial planner, an attorney, or an accountant will be able to advise you on the various ways in which you can make a gift. You should also touch base with the development office of the charitable organization in which you intend to support. Your final will or estate plan should be prepared by an attorney, according to the laws of the state where you reside.
6. Can I leave a gift in memory of a person or for a specific purpose?
A charitable gift is a wonderful way to recognize someone who made a difference in your life. You also may want to give to a specific cause like medical research or a scholarship fund. This kind of memorial gift can be specified in your will. Consult your professional advisors and the charities you are considering, for specific details on how to arrange this type of gift.
7. Why should I leave a gift?
As the name says, you truly will LEAVE A LEGACY by supporting organizations through a will or estate. Your generosity could play a major role in the development and growth of an organization for years to come.
"LEAVE A LEGACY - Individuals - Frequently Asked Questions" Leave a Legacy Western New York. http://leavealegacywny.org/ ( 2 May 2011)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Top 10 Things You Can Do to Leave A Legacy
1. Prepare a will. Only 40% of those who pass away have one. Without a will, you may lose control over assets you wish to pass along.
2. Leave a gift in your will for the non-profit organizations that make a difference in your life. Americans are generous - 70% of us give to charity each year. Surprisingly, less than 6% of persons in American households have included non-profits in an estate plan. Imagine the positive impact on our community if everyone made a donation to their favorite organizations!
3. Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the assets in your will to the agencies of your choice.
4. Consider using appreciated assets to fund current charitable gifts and planned gifts during your lifetime. These include, but aren't limited to stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, real estate, art, and jewelry. Such gifts may even provide income tax savings.
5. Name one or more charities as a beneficiary of your pension plan, IRA, retirement plan. Doing so can avoid estate and income taxes (up to 70%) that might otherwise be due when your plan is paid out. Because of the legal and tax complexities of dealing with these types of accounts, be sure to seek the advice of an attorney or accountant when desginating a charity as partial beneficiary of a retirement account.
6. Name your favorite non-profits as the owner and/or beneficiary of a new or exisiting life insurance policy.
7. Call your favorite non-profits about special funds you can support.
8. Remember loved ones with memorial gifts.
9. Encourage family and friends to leave gifts to non-profits in their wills.
10. Ask your professional advisors to include charitable giving when they counsel their other clients.
"Top 10 Things you can do to LEAVE A LEGACY." Leave A Legacy Western New York . http://leavealegacywny.org/ (2 May 2011).
2. Leave a gift in your will for the non-profit organizations that make a difference in your life. Americans are generous - 70% of us give to charity each year. Surprisingly, less than 6% of persons in American households have included non-profits in an estate plan. Imagine the positive impact on our community if everyone made a donation to their favorite organizations!
3. Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the assets in your will to the agencies of your choice.
4. Consider using appreciated assets to fund current charitable gifts and planned gifts during your lifetime. These include, but aren't limited to stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, real estate, art, and jewelry. Such gifts may even provide income tax savings.
5. Name one or more charities as a beneficiary of your pension plan, IRA, retirement plan. Doing so can avoid estate and income taxes (up to 70%) that might otherwise be due when your plan is paid out. Because of the legal and tax complexities of dealing with these types of accounts, be sure to seek the advice of an attorney or accountant when desginating a charity as partial beneficiary of a retirement account.
6. Name your favorite non-profits as the owner and/or beneficiary of a new or exisiting life insurance policy.
7. Call your favorite non-profits about special funds you can support.
8. Remember loved ones with memorial gifts.
9. Encourage family and friends to leave gifts to non-profits in their wills.
10. Ask your professional advisors to include charitable giving when they counsel their other clients.
"Top 10 Things you can do to LEAVE A LEGACY." Leave A Legacy Western New York . http://leavealegacywny.org/ (2 May 2011).
The Arc Receives Grant Funding
The Arc's Rainbow Preschool Program has received two grants in April 2011.
The Children's Guild Foundation, Inc. has funded $5,000 to the program for assistive technology items as well as health and saftey supplies that are needed.
The Walmart Foundation has funded $1,000 to assist with the purchase of various program supplies for the visually impaired students at Rainbow Preschool.
Both foundations are long time supporters of The Arc.
The Children's Guild Foundation, Inc. has funded $5,000 to the program for assistive technology items as well as health and saftey supplies that are needed.
The Walmart Foundation has funded $1,000 to assist with the purchase of various program supplies for the visually impaired students at Rainbow Preschool.
Both foundations are long time supporters of The Arc.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Granny's Attic Sale a Success
The Arc's Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair program held a Granny's Attic Sale on Wednesday, May 4th, at their 16 East Academy Street site. David Spaker, manager for the program, said that the event was once again a great success. Volunteers donated items and baked goods to sell, and several volunteers were on hand to help with the checkout. Proceeds from the sale benefit senior programs for Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair. The Arc of Orleans County entered into a partnership with the Orleans County Office for the Aging in January 2009 to run the Senior Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels/Nutri-Fair). Don't worry if you missed this great sale - the group is busy planning more sales for 2011.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Arc of Orleans 5K Run/Walk This Saturday
It's not too late to register for The Arc of Orleans County's 17th Annual Run/Walk. The event takes place this Saturday, May 7th, at the Sacred Heart Club, North Gravel Road, Medina. Registration begins at 12:30 pm with walkers starting at 1:30 pm and the 5K race beginning promptly at 2:00 pm.There will be food and beverages for everyone and "cookie" awards (see photo) for the race winners! The proceeds from the Run/Walk will be used to maintain the Legacy of Love Rose Garden at The Arc's Orleans Enterprises site and for Arc programs and services. The Garden and the Run/Walk are in memory of Terri Carr Krieger, a past employee of The Arc, who passed away in 1997.
Registration forms are available at Case-Nic Cookies, 439 Main Street, Medina or on The Arc's website - http://www.arcoforleans.org/documents/20115KRun-WalkRegistrationForm_000.pdf. Participants will also be able to register the day of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Western New York Living Showcases The Arc of Orleans County
The Arc of Orleans County was featured on WGRZ-TV's Western New York Living this past Saturday morning! Darlene Golson, Endowment and Grants Manager, spoke with host Janet Snyder about the Agency's programs and services and The Arc's upcoming 5K Run/Walk being held this Saturday, May 7th, at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina. In photo (l.-r.): Denise Withey, Community Relations Specialist with The Arc of Orleans County, WNY Living host Janet Snyder, and Darlene Golson, Endowment and Grants Manager with The Arc.If you didn't get a chance to see the show, you can watch it on the WGRZ website by clicking on the link below:
http://www.wnyliving.tv/WNYLiving_Article.aspx?storyid=119818
Registration forms for The Arc's 5K Run/Walk are available at:
http://www.arcoforleans.org/documents/20115KRun-WalkRegistrationForm_000.pdf
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)