August is Make a Will Month: A Legacy That Lives On

August is nationally recognized as Make a Will Month, a timely reminder that one of the greatest gifts we can leave our loved ones is the peace of mind that comes with having our wishes clearly documented.

Creating a will is more than an important financial decision—it is an opportunity to reflect on the values that have guided your life and the legacy you hope to leave for future generations. Whether your priority is protecting your family, providing for loved ones, or supporting causes that have touched your life, a thoughtfully prepared estate plan ensures your wishes will be honored.

Why Everyone Needs a Will

A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets and property distributed after your lifetime. It can also:

• Name guardians for minor children.
• Appoint an executor to carry out your wishes.
• Help avoid family confusion or disputes.
• Reduce the risk of accidental disinheritance.
• Ensure the people and organizations you care about receive the gifts you intend.

Without a valid will, state law determines how your estate is distributed, which may not reflect your wishes or the legacy you want to leave behind.

A Legacy That Continues to Make a Difference

At Gilchrist, we witness the power of legacy every day.

More than thirty years ago, our organization was founded through the extraordinary vision and generosity of Jeanne “Jinny” Gilchrist Vance. Her remarkable philanthropy helped establish what has grown into one of the nation’s leading nonprofit providers of hospice and serious illness care. Her foresight and compassion created a lasting foundation that has enabled Gilchrist to provide comfort, dignity, and expert care to thousands of patients and families.

Perhaps the greatest impact of Jinny’s generosity was the bequest she left to Gilchrist. Her planned gift established a tradition of compassionate philanthropy that continues today. Because of her legacy—and the generosity of those who have chosen to follow her example through estate gifts—Gilchrist is able to care for every patient who needs us, regardless of their ability to pay. Her vision ensures that no one is turned away during one of life’s most difficult moments because of financial circumstances.

Jinny chose to include Gilchrist in her estate plans so compassionate care would be available for generations to come. Her story reminds us that a charitable bequest costs nothing today, yet it can make an extraordinary difference in the future.

What Is a Bequest?

A bequest is a charitable gift made through your will or trust. It is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to support a cause that is meaningful to you while continuing to provide for your loved ones.

There are many benefits to making a bequest:

• Leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values.
• Potentially reduce the tax burden on your family.
• In some cases, receive estate tax savings.
• Make a significant charitable impact without affecting your financial security during your lifetime.

Legacy gifts help sustain Gilchrist’s mission and ensure that compassionate care remains available to everyone who needs it. Planned gifts support programs throughout our community, including hospice and serious illness care, pediatric hospice, grief counseling for children and adults, music therapy, veteran services, Jewish Care and Support, senior living, private residence care, and other specialized services that enhance quality of life for patients and families.

Start Planning Today

If you’re ready to create or update your will or trust, Gilchrist offers a FREE Estate Planning Guide to help you get started. The guide can help you:

• Organize your family and financial information.
• Record your estate distribution wishes.
• Better understand your estate planning options.
• Avoid accidental disinheritance.
• Prepare for conversations with your family, attorney, or financial advisor.

You can also submit questions through the website if you would like additional guidance as you begin the planning process.

Thank You for Creating Your Legacy

If you have already included Gilchrist in your estate plans, thank you. Your thoughtful generosity is a profound expression of compassion that will continue caring for others long into the future.

If you are considering making a legacy gift—or have already included Gilchrist in your plans—we would be honored to hear from you and welcome you into the Gilchrist Legacy Society. We invite you to contact us for a confidential conversation about your plans and how your future gift can make a lasting impact.

Just as Jeanne “Jinny” Gilchrist Vance’s generosity continues to make compassionate care possible more than three decades later, your legacy can ensure that future patients and families experience the same comfort, dignity, and support for generations to come.

This Make a Will Month, take the opportunity to protect the people you love while creating a legacy that reflects what matters most to you. The decisions you make today can provide peace of mind for your family and hope for countless others tomorrow.