By Georganne Chapin, IA Executive Director
This past year has made me acutely aware of the fragility of life, all that I’m grateful for — and the type of world I want to secure for the future. In that world, no child will ever be subjected to medically unnecessary surgery without their consent.
Perhaps not surprisingly, a growing number of Intact America donors are asking how they can continue to support Intact America’s mission beyond their own lifetimes.
One of these donors was Gene Burkett, a man I came to know well.
Gene’s journey with Intact America began in 2015 when he came upon us while researching circumcision. As Gene later wrote to me, “While other websites had useful information, it appeared that Intact America was the only one that had an active advocacy component. It also was one with the most educational material on the story of circumcision, especially in the United States.”
Over the years as our friendship evolved, I much appreciated the counsel that Gene, who was a finance professional, gave me. He understood Intact America’s challenges and saw his way clear to support us.
In January 2021, a few weeks before he passed away, Gene informed me he had made Intact America the sole beneficiary of two IRA accounts, representing the bulk of his assets.
Here is what he said:
“I am 100% confident that I am doing the right thing with these funds. My willingness to do this, with no strings attached, is the direct result of my faith in your integrity, abilities, and dedication to this cause. I trust that you, or whoever succeeds you, will use this money wisely to be able to fulfill my hopes and dreams.”
I was, and continue to be, overwhelmed by both Gene’s gift – the largest Intact America has ever received – and his faith in us. To honor Gene, his values, and his dreams, we’ve created the Gene Burkett Legacy Circle for supporters who include IA in their estate planning.
If, like Gene, you would like to build a legacy that protects every child’s right to bodily integrity, I would welcome a conversation. You can contact me at 914.400.1909 or [email protected]. If you have already included Intact America in your estate plans, I would love to know that so I can personally thank you and welcome you into the Gene Burkett Legacy Circle.
Bequests
Making a gift through your will is the simplest way to create a legacy of protecting children’s rights. To do so, add this sentence to your existing will: “I give and bequeath (dollar amount, or percentage of residuary estate, etc.) to: Intact America (Tax ID #81-2887457), located at 303 South Broadway, Suite 420 (PO Box 8516), Tarrytown, NY 10591.” To create your will in 20 minutes, free of charge, visit our partner FreeWill.com. (Please consult your attorney and/or tax advisor before adding this language to your will to determine the best method for including Intact America in your estate planning.)
Gifts by Beneficiary Designation
Naming Intact America as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance plan, bank account, donor advised fund, real estate, or other assets is another convenient way to give. It doesn’t require an estate plan or lawyer, and you can change your beneficiary choice at any time. You can note Intact America’s Tax ID number (81-2887457) on the beneficiary designation form.
Retirement Plan Gifts
There are excellent tax benefits to reap from donating retirement plan assets in an IRA, 401(K), 403(B), or qualified pension to Intact America. IA will receive the full value of the distributions tax-free. The assets designated to use this way will not be a part of your taxable estate, potentially lowering estate taxes owed. As noted above, you can note Intact America’s Tax ID number (81-2887457) on the form provided to you by your financial institution or pension fund.
By including Intact America in your estate planning, you will become a member of the Gene Burkett Legacy Circle in recognition of your visionary generosity. In addition to knowing that you are protecting future boys and men from harm, as a member you will receive:
– Recognition in select Intact America publications and on our website.
– Exclusive “State of the Organization” Zoom calls or webinars with Intact America leadership.
– Personal invitations to Intact America events.
For more information about legacy giving, contact Georganne Chapin, Founding Executive Director, Intact America, at [email protected] or 914.400.1909.
