Why Make a Planned Gift to the Gateway Area Chapter?
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is working tirelessly to prevent, treat, and cure MS. As we look ahead, it is our hope that preventative treatments will be identified to reduce the probability of the onset of MS. Until the time when no one is suffering from its devastating effects, we will remain committed to ensure that all those with MS will be able to rely upon the MS Society for information, comfort, and support. You can be assured that all in the Gateway Area with MS will always have a place to turn for help that they need by making a planned gift to the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Lawry Circle
The Lawry Circle is a group of generous and caring individuals who have included a gift for the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in their estate plans. This includes people who have bequests in their wills for the National MS Society, as well as those who participate in other planned giving options. It also includes those people who have made the MS Society the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or of an IRA or other retirement plan funds. Their generosity creates a lasting legacy of hope and support to thousands of individuals and families living with multiple sclerosis.
Benefits of Membership
The most meaningful benefit of belonging to The Lawry Circle for most people is the feeling of personal satisfaction they enjoy when they have demonstrated their commitment to the continuation of essential Gateway Area Chapter programs and vital national MS research efforts.
For many, the substantial tax benefits allowed by the IRS for such commitments are also important and allow our benefactors to give much more than would otherwise be possible. When members leave bequests to the MS Society in their wills, their estates pay no estate taxes on the amounts passing to us. Other special benefits include: recognition in appropriate publications, invitations to special events and research symposia, and subscriptions to the MS Connections newsletter.
Planned Gift Options
Through Your Will (Bequests)
A charitable bequest to the National MS Society can be a flexible and easy way to participate in supporting the future fight against MS. Bequests come in all sizes. For example, you may prefer that a bequest be for a specific amount or represent a percentage of your estate. Or, you could create a bequest that helps the MS Society after you have provided for your family and friends, called a residual bequest. There is no minimum amount required to be a member of The Pillars of Society. All bequests are important to us regardless of size, and are gratefully received. To make a bequest commitment, simply ask your attorney to revise your current will to include one of the following:
A bequest of a specific amount
I hereby give and bequeath to the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society the amount of $______ to be used for its general purposes.
A bequest of a percentage of your estate
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ______% of my estate to be used for its general purposes.
A bequest of whatever remains after all other bequests have been made
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society my residuary estate (or ______% of my residuary estate) to be used for its general purposes.
A bequest only if certain other beneficiaries predecease you
In the event that________________________ is not living at the time of my death, or declines to accept the bequest I am making to him/her, I wish his/her bequest to pass to the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to be used for its general purposes.
Ready to Leave a Bequest to the National MS Society?
When remembering the MS Society in your estate plans, it is important to include our correct legal name and address:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Gateway Area Chapter
1867 Lackland Hill Parkway
St. Louis, MO 63146
Other Opportunities
Usually, when we think of planned gifts, a bequest most often comes to mind. However, there are a variety of other opportunities that can help you make a bigger contribution than you may have thought possible, receive some favorable tax benefits now, and possibly even provide a lifetime income for you or your family. Some favorite options include:
- Charitable Gift Annuity
With a gift today to the National MS Society, you can receive a tax deduction now, and also regular income payments for the rest of your life. - Retirement Plan Gifts
Naming the MS Society as a beneficiary, give a gift of an existing policy, or purchase a new policy and the annual premium payments can be deductible. - Charitable Trusts
There are a wide variety of tax-wise trust arrangements that can incorporate generous gifts to charity and offer tax savings.
For more information on planned giving opportunities, please contact Beth Bauer at 314-446-4177 or 1-800-344-4867, option 2.