A Fortunate Situation

The Currys feel fortunate they have been able to raise their two children and afford to do everything they wanted in life. Now retired and residents of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, they had a decision to make. They wished to support the Masonic Children’s Home and also to take care of their own children.

Fortunately, the Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning had a solution, so the Currys could contribute to their family and the children’s home.

“We’ve been fortunate in life with investing, and the proposed plan will reduce our estate in the best way possible,” Charles said.

“Both of us love children, and our hearts go out to them,” Carol said.

“We appreciate what is being done for them at the children’s home. They’re educated and given so many opportunities. You get to see the kids grow up and do well and all the worthwhile things the children’s home has done for them.”

The Currys enjoy attending the annual Youth Appreciation Day when the youth are recognized for scholastic, athletic and extracurricular achievements.

The parents of a son and daughter and grandparents to five, the Currys feel blessed to see the faith they instilled in their children passed down to their grandchildren. children,” Carol said. “It’s a comfort to us to help them.”

Charles has always handled the family’s finances. His education was 50% in business, and 50% in engineering, and he feels the business side has been much more useful. He’s always been vigilant of tax implications and avoiding issues with the IRS. With a little help from the Office of Gift Planning, both he and Carol found an ideal solution to benefit their family and countless youth at the Masonic Children’s Home. He encourages others to do the same.

“We can’t say enough about Al [Blitz, chief gift planning officer] and David [Whitenack, director of gift planning – central region],” Charles said. “They helped us know what to do after we attended one of their coffee meetings. The easy part is working with staff, and the Masonic Charities picks up the expense of managing the trust and handling investments. The trust will keep money within our family and make good investments for the future benefit of the children’s home.”

The Currys feel financially and physically secure after moving to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown nine years ago. As residents of a newly-built neighborhood of cottages, they moved in at the same time as many of their neighbors, forming quick friendships. Charles volunteers to help with Sell Chapel TV broadcasts, and Carol is a volunteer in The Boutique (see article on The Boutique volunteers on p. 14).

“We’re glad every minute we’re here,” Carol said. “We love the lack of responsibility for the outside of our house – no shoveling, no leaf raking. We really get to know the staff who take care of us.”

For information on how the Curry’s strategy might work for your situation, or what giving options can help meet your goals and dreams, contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454 to speak with a Masonic Charities gift planner.