World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008 - (Page 50)

by janet k. ginn A MESSAGE FROM JANET K. GINN The holiday season is a special time of year when our closest loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers as we gather once more as a family. At the same time, we also think of how we can help those who might not have food, a home or a way to provide for their families. The following story illustrates how planned charitable giving through Heifer Foundation can help donors ensure that their loved ones are taken care of, while also helping a world in great need. AN EXCERPT FROM THE CIRCLE OF GIVING: DONORS’ STORIES OF WISDOM It’s hard to find the words to describe the bond between parents and children. Blessed. Rich. Expansive. Nothing quite covers it. The love is indescribable. We love our children so deeply that most of us wouldn’t hesitate for a split second to agree to do anything to save their lives. But parenting rarely comes down to such heroics. We teach by example day in and day out, hoping and praying that our children will grow PRESIDENT AND CEO HEIFER FOUNDATION & AUTHOR OF CIRCLE OF GIVING helping to save the world. They’re blessed in many, many ways and recognize that not everyone is. The Fairchilds themselves aren’t in need of extra income, and they believe that their children have created wonderful lives for themselves. How could they show their children how much they are loved while also fulfilling their own personal desire to significantly help those less fortunate? I admire the Fairchilds. My husband and I, like so many parents, worked hard to raise our children to make good choices and show compassion to others. Most of us as parents share the experience of wanting to give everything to our children, but we know that not doing so is often a greater gift, a gift of love. After meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild and discussing their desires, we created the perfect option. With the gift of one of their properties, the Fairchilds set up a Charitable Remainder Unitrust-Term Only that provides an annual income to each child for 10 years. After that, the remainder goes to Heifer Foundation and another beloved charity. All of the Fairchilds’ desires have been met. Their gifts and values have been passed on to their children and their charity of choice. Another win/win. For more information on the benefits of Planned Charitable Giving or to set up a Trust or Annuity, call Heifer Foundation at 888-422-1161 or visit our Web site at www.heiferfoundation.org. into compassionate, responsible adults. The Fairchilds are no different. Just like us, they love their four children (three daughters and one son) indescribably. The children are now in their 50s — an accomplished major airline pilot, a lawyer, and two doctors. And yes, they are compassionate and responsible, traits they learned from their parents. The Fairchilds moved in their later years to a retirement village in Colorado to be near their daughter who helps with their needs. Christmastime is always the best because of the wonderful snowfall, and the skiing is a treat for their five grandchildren from Miami. Like most busy families, the Fairchilds struggle to get their entire family together, and on the occasional holiday when they are all present, the dining room table is fully open to accommodate the growing family. In planning their estate, the Fairchilds wanted to show their children how much they love them, www.heiferfoundation.org but they also wanted to illustrate the value of http://www.heiferfoundation.org http://www.heiferfoundation.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008

World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008 Contents Letters For the Record The Good Life Asked and Answered Finding Peace in Africa Sierra Leone on the Mend The Roma: A People Apart Mixed Media Heifer Bulletin Heifer Spirit Calendar First Person

World Ark Magazine - November/December 2008

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