CCBA Feature
OPENING DOORS TO LEGACY PHILANTHROPY
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rofessional advisors play a crucial role in propelling legacy philanthropy. The Chester County Community Foundation’s Door Opener Award recognizes professional advisors who support and encourage legacy philanthropy. The Community Foundation is pleased to spotlight David M. Frees, III, Esq., and Kurt Kunsch as this year’s Door Openers. They suggested that Robert H. Erb consider the Community Foundation as a vehicle for his philanthropy, ultimately establishing the Jonas C., Marian D., and Robert H. Erb Charitable Fund. Robert H. Erb joined the Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) faculty in 1970 as a librarian, just six years after the college’s founding. His service to the library continued for 45 years until his retirement in 2015. However, his commitment to MCCC didn’t end there. As a passionate learner and avid steward of his community, Mr. Erb was always looking to improve and learn more each day and he wanted to help MCCC students do the same. “I got to know Mr. Erb quite well after working with him for a number of years,” explains David M. Frees, III, Esq., Mr. Erb’s estate planning attorney. “He used to share stories of times when he stayed late at the library assisting students with their research, listening to their stories, and providing encouragement and advice. In every conversation we had, I could feel the love he had for the college, the students, and his community.” Dave is an estate planning attorney, author, seminar presenter, and internationally known speaker. He is Chairman of the Trust, Estates, and Wealth Preservation section of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, and co-chairs the Elder Law Solutions section of the firm. His practice focuses on planned giving, asset protection, and estate and tax planning and administration. “Mr. Erb was passionate about the community college mission,” continues Dave, “and he wanted MCCC to reflect his diverse community. That is one of the many reasons he continued his partnership with the college as a philanthropist, both during and after his employment. Knowing he already had clear philanthropic intentions,
28 | New Matter
David M. Frees, III, Esq.
Kurt Kunsch
my assignment was to steer him in the right direction for the best charitable giving options. We discussed the Chester County Community Foundation a number of times. I went over the advantages of a donor-advised fund at the Foundation. And, given Mr. Erb’s interest in education, he determined a scholarship fund would be the best fit. Mr Erb. wanted the fund to be named after his parents, which is how he came to create the Jonas C., Marian D., and Robert H. Erb Charitable Fund.” Dave is a lifelong friend of Kurt Kunsch, the Senior Vice President and Trust Managing Director for Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust. According to Kurt, “Dave has been instrumental as a career mentor. He inspired me to get more involved with the Foundation’s mission, and he served as Chair of the Foundation’s Board in 2004.” Kurt has been at the nexus of scores of wealth management and estate planning conversations since joining Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust in 1996. He has established himself as a leader in the field, with his sound business practices, reputation of integrity and trust, and personal ethos of community service. Kurt’s passion for community involvement started with his father Dick Kunsch, former Vice Chairman/ CEO at Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust. “My Dad always instilled in us the importance of giving back and donating time or resources to assist others in need,” says Kurt.
