An Estate Plan Based on Connection

Pat and Penny Barrett have put together—with the help of an attorney—an estate plan that provides for themselves, their children and the charities they love. Each had an early experience with Arden Wood—Penny took a class in Christian Science nurses training and Pat stayed at Arden Wood to study and pray at a pivotal time. That early connection with Arden Wood has grown in them both ever since. Penny notes, “There are lots of areas where I give time and money in the community, and the areas that get the most are where I have a personal connection. I have that kind of connection to Arden Wood.”

Another aspect of their beneficiary decision-making is the size of the charitable organization. In their words, “The small organizations that don’t have huge endowments or foundational support inspire us to give because we can have more effect. We look at the impact our dollars can have and where our faith and love rest.”

Estate plans are very individual, depending on personal preferences, one’s view of the future and family circumstances. Having a plan helps you reduce legalities that can gobble up portions of your estate. A plan gives you the ability to decide what’s going to happen to your estate after you’re gone.

Pat and Penny have set up trusts for their daughters. There are no grandchildren, so they decided to determine where their funds go after their daughters pass. In their words, “We’ve been able to ensure that the charities we love will be supported.”

Pat explains, “Underpinning all our giving decisions is commitment.” Penny wholeheartedly agrees!

Like Penny and Pat, you can use your estate plan to support Arden Wood. To find the gift that fits your charitable goals and financial needs, contact John W. Mitchell at (415) 379-2200 or jmitchell@ardenwood.org.