Leaving your legacy

By Sue Ritz

May 14, 2008 02:17 pm

— What is a legacy?
Webster describes the noun as a gift by will especially of money or other personal property: A “bequest.”
According to Vital Economy, a legacy is “a condition that is left or created by an organization, individual or group of community leadership. Legacies are usually enduring for a long period of time and on many occasions are linked to individuals.”
The Boone County Senior Services Foundation, Inc. was established in 1996 to receive and invest gifts to generate income that can be used to supplement the program budget needs of Boone County Senior Services during those times when revenues may fall short of the community’s needs.
The Foundation is an entity whereby individuals or organizations can leave their legacy.
The first annual Legacy Dinner for the Foundation was held on April 26. The purpose was to celebrate BCSSI’s 30 years of service to older adults and to assure that the agency is able to continue providing appropriate services well into the future.
The evening began with a reception. The guests enjoyed Celtic harp music by Mary Bonner. A dinner was prepared and served by Country Catering’s Gene and Peggy Poe of Thorntown, followed by entertainment of Les Goodnight and Casey Reynolds accompanied by Nelson Hunter.
Gene Smock, Foundation Board President, said the foundation’s fund-raising goal is $2.5 million. The foundation now has more than $700,000 in its endowment fund. Smock said the board recognizes Boone County’s rapidly growing older adult population creates an increased demand for services and therefore funding.
The Foundation is tax-exempt, donors may realize tax benefits from giving support to the Foundation.
I had the honor of sharing about the agency and its successes. It is sometimes hard for me to believe that I have been a staff member for 20 years. I have seen many programs develop and expand over the years. I have had the opportunity of hearing comments from older adults as well as their family members.
Boone County is fortunate to have services available and be a resource to its citizens. I am thrilled to be able to lead a great staff who serves with compassion and caring.
If you would like more information on how you can leave your legacy please contact BCSSI.
— Sue Ritz, the executive director of Boone County Senior Services Inc., may be reached at (765) 482-5220 or sritz@booneseniors.org.

Photos

Sue Ritz