How To Make Your Permanent Mark On The Future
Now is the time to make a mark on the future.
More and more friends of Silver Cross Hospital are choosing to leave a lasting legacy by making a gift through their will or estate. Some of the largest gifts we’ve received—the kind that really make a difference for future generations—come from planned gifts.
How to Become a Futurist
It’s easy to become one of these farsighted, influential individuals. If you already have a will, you can add a gift to us through a very simple amendment called a codicil. We can give you sample codicil language you can send to your attorney to make the process smooth and simple.
If you don’t have a will, what are you waiting for?
Without a valid will in place, you leave it up to the courts to decide how to distribute your assets. But you’ve worked hard to achieve what you have, whether it’s a little or a lot, and you deserve the right to say what happens to it. A will gives you the control you deserve. Writing a will isn’t difficult and it’s well worth the time. It’s also a great opportunity to leave a legacy gift to organizations you care about, like the Silver Cross Foundation – the charitable fundraising arm for Silver Cross Hospital.
What Counts as a Bequest?
You can give (“bequeath”) many different kinds of assets—in whole or in part—in your will, including:
To Restrict or Not to Restrict?
Some friends choose to designate their bequest to a certain service, program, or fund. Others leave their gift unrestricted. Either type of bequest is welcome and appreciated. However, since it’s impossible to know what the future holds, it’s usually recommended to make your bequest unrestricted so that it can be used where the need is greatest when the time comes.
Don’t be Shy
Please let us know if you decide to make a bequest to the Silver Cross Foundation. We realize many donors wish to remain anonymous, and if this is your wish, we will absolutely guard your privacy. However, knowing about your plans really helps us plan better for the future. It also enables us to thank you in the way you deserve including membership in the Silver Cross Legacy Society.
It’s especially important to contact us in advance if:
- you’d like to make a bequest of something other than cash or appreciated marketable securities; or
- you wish to designate your bequest to a specific purpose.
Bequest Lingo
Many people think a bequest is complicated. Not so! It really couldn’t be easier. Simply fill in the blanks and pass along this language to your attorney to include in your will or living trust.
I give, devise and bequeath to the Silver Cross Foundation, located in New Lenox, IL, the sum of $___________ (or a description of the specific asset) to be used for general support of Silver Cross Hospital & Medical Centers (or for a specific fund or program).
We can also give you language if you’re interested in making a residual bequest (the “leftovers” of your estate) or a contingent gift (where Silver Cross only gets the gift if certain circumstances occur.)
Get in touch!
If you believe in Silver Cross Hospital’s mission and want to help carry it forward to the future, please contact us. We would be pleased to work with you and your advisor(s) to determine the gift that best suits your situation and interests. Contact Tracy Simons, Silver Cross Foundation Executive Director, at (815) 300-7113.
