PLAN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
WATCH Tower Circle
For almost 150 years, Porter-Gaud School’s friends and families have selflessly and passionately given their time, talent, and treasure in support of our mission, our promise to bring about moments of discovery in our students. From cash donations to bequests left to us through a will, each contribution has made a positive difference in the educational opportunities we are able to provide. If you are one of those friends or families who wishes to help PorterGaud keep the promise for future generations, then we invite you to become a lifetime member of the WATCH Tower Circle. Members ensure the future strength of the institution and leave a legacy at Porter-Gaud through a planned gift.
Help us keep the promise…
Robert and Elizabeth Vingi Porter-Gaud Parents
“Our entire family has benefited immensely from its association with Porter-Gaud School. Our three sons have thrived here from first grade through graduation. We have shared the pride of the school’s singular advancements through the past twenty years, and are confident her best days lie ahead. Charleston also benefits greatly from the presence of Porter-Gaud. The school’s traditions of excellence create a benchmark for her peers, a path for opportunity for those young people willing to pursue it, and a legacy of giving back from its accomplished graduates. We are delighted and humbled to give back in any way we can.”
What Will Your Legacy Be?
Long after you or your children have left PorterGaud, what will your legacy be? Sports? Academics? Arts? Student or Faculty assistance? How will you be remembered? How can you follow the legacy of others who made PorterGaud what it was when you were a student?
Is Planned Giving for Me?
You may have heard that planned giving is too complicated and costs a great deal for technical support. Very complex estates can require special knowledge. However, wills are the most common way to state one’s desire about their estate. Some say they are too young to consider planned giving and therefore miss the advantage of lifelong planning. Times may change, but good preparation helps focus thought and drive plans to achieve even bigger visions.
The Opportunities
Even with the best school, there are always ways to advance the educational experience, either by expanding it, diversifying it, or improving the existing programs and activities. Among the areas you might consider supporting are: scholarships; buildings; activity and sports programs; campus and grounds improvement; arts; and faculty development and support – just to name a few. Which would you choose if you had the opportunity to help?
Miles Barkley ’77 Former Porter-Gaud Trustee
“During my time as a Board Trustee, we grappled with strategic issues ranging from maximizing enrollment to fostering character development to expanding diversity. I was struck by the importance of providing not only for present-day needs but also for ensuring the future of our school. The bequest in my will is not only a vote of confidence for Porter-Gaud today, but my belief that this investment in the school will help future generations experience bright tomorrows. If the roots of the school are strong, its message and impact will be around for many generations.”
GIVING BACK
Jim Stelling '68 | Porter-Gaud Trustee | Past Parent
Jim Stelling, Then and Now
Jim Stelling grew up in Charleston and attended the Watt School and the Gaud School before finishing high school at Porter-Gaud in 1968. He married his childhood sweetheart, the former Kathleen Hubbard, whose father, Edward Hubbard, was a beloved English teacher at PG from 1968 to 1985. After graduating from PG and the University of Virginia, Jim returned to Charleston to pursue a successful business career. The happiest moment of his and Kathy’s life, however, was when their daughter Kathleen came into their lives. When the time came to send Kathleen to 1st grade, there was no doubt they would send her to Porter-Gaud.
"As I look back on my experience at Porter-Gaud, many memories and lessons learned come to mind. Words such as kindness, hard work, respect and discipline were all an integral part of that experience. Kindness was certainly shown to me when Berkeley Grimball gave me a scholarship to finish high school at PG when our family had suffered a setback. Our teachers worked us hard, treated us with respect, as we did them. This culture has served Porter-Gaud alumni well over the years and in my mind, our planned gift is a great way for me and Kathy to simply say, Thank You!"
LOOKING FORWARD
Kathleen Stelling Hodgson ’99 | PG Alumni Association Board member | Future PG Parent Kathleen Hodgson wants the great education she received at PG to mean something in the future. As new parents, Kathleen and her husband Mac find that planned giving provides a flexible way for them to make a significant financial commitment that allows them to continue planning for their daughter Mae’s future.
Kathleen and Mae Hodgson
Kathleen and Her Dad, 1999
“My grandfather taught here, my father and I attended here and I want my daughter to go here! Porter-Gaud was the best school in town when my parents enrolled me, and I want it to continue to get better and better so that it is still the best school in town when my daughter reaches 1st grade. My husband and I have set up a modest estate gift now that we intend to build over time. Our Mr. Edward Hubbard participation in the WATCH Tower Circle signifies our Former English Teacher belief in Porter-Gaud, and our faith that this great Kathleen’s Grandfather school will continue to be greater if we all stay involved and show our support.”
WATCH TOWER CIRCLE
How may I Join the WATCH Tower Circle? It is simple to become a member of Porter-Gaud’s WATCH Tower Circle. All it takes is naming Porter-Gaud a beneficiary of your estate plan or other planned gift*. If you would like to explore your vision of what could be accomplished at Porter-Gaud, or how through planned giving your dreams for the school might come true, we can help. The first step is letting us know you want to be involved. Simply contact our office and we can get the process started. We work closely with you and other professionals you choose (financial advisor/accountant/ attorney) to determine which methods of planned giving could work for your unique circumstances. If you’ve already named us in your will or other estate plans, then please let us know by contacting the Foundation office. With any gift, we will respect your wishes for recognition or anonymity, and any details of your gift that you disclose will be held in strictest confidence. But please do let us know of your plans so that we may properly thank you for your gift! For questions, or more information on how to become a WATCH Tower Circle member, please contact: Porter-Gaud Foundation 843.402.4754 www.portergaud.edu/plannedgiving
*e.g., life insurance policy, retirement plan benefit, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust
Plan to make a difference… JOIN THE WATCH TOWER CIRCLE TODAY!
WATCH
300 Albemarle Road | Charleston, SC 29407 PorterGaudFoundation.org | 843.402.4754