Letter from the Director

These days, a professional fundraiser is not the most popular choice at career fairs. Times are truly tough for so many, making it hard for even the most generous people to support causes that mean so much to them.

Before I slipped into self pity about my profession, I was struck by an inspiring fact that, in spite of tough times, there are still those who care about the Mission of OSF and the work we do for our patients. A smile came over my face thinking about the individuals who go out of their way to make things better -- usually for people they will never meet.

You are most likely one of these people. Similar to the rest of us, you are figuring out how you will manage your resources in these unstable times. And because of your caring heart, you may become upset finding yourself unable to do for others like you are accustomed.

Perhaps, something to remember now is that there are other ways to help that do not require committing the limited resources you have today. It is a great time to think about your favorite causes through a planned gift as a part of your total estate planning.

Options range all the way from a simple bequest in a will, to a trust that acts on your behalf to carry out your wishes. One of the options, offered by many, including OSF, is a gift annuity. In this arrangement, in return for an asset, you receive a guaranteed income for life, typically at a rate much higher than most other investments.

Every so often, it is the tough times that make us look deeper for answers. Perhaps now is the time to take a look at your plans and consider how you can make the largest impact on the causes near to your heart.

Richard E. Zumwalt, CFRE
Executive Director