Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

A long career in law lends itself to planning for life and legacy
After a long career as a lawyer specializing in tax and pension trust law, Neal McNamara moved into The Tamalpais in Marin County...
More

A Donor for Whom Philanthropy is Second Nature
Sequoias San Francisco resident Shirley Costello knows the value of giving back to her community. For more than 35 years, Shirley has...
More

Thoughtful planning created a financially secure present for themselves and others
For Rex and Janet Elder, life at The Tamalpais was more than a time to enjoy the fruits of hard work and careful planning. It was also...
More

Geoff Scammell
The gifts of giving and receiving
When Geoff Scammell retired after a successful 34-year career at AAA's San Francisco regional office, he and his partner were ready to enjoy a...
More

Gift Examples

Bequests
Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization. They believe it is important to help further our mission.
More
Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift to Charity
Joanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
More
Tax-Free Sale
Howard and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.
More
Capital Gains Tax Bypassed
Peter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
More
Endowment Gift
Pat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
More
Sale and Unitrust
Gene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
More
The Retirement Unitrust
Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm.
More
Property Turns Into Income
Miranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
More
Part Gift and Part Sale
Susan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake.
More
Current Gifts
As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
More
Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)
Keith has been a faithful supporter of Senior Services for Northern California and makes regular gifts to support our work.
More
Transferable on Death (TOD) Gifts
Harold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event Senior Services for Northern California held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
More
A Bequest to Further Good Work
Nancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
More
What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?
Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks, and IRAs.
More
A Bequest to Save Taxes
Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.
More
Leading for the Future
Luke and Cynthia spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
More
Give it Twice Trust
While visiting her favorite charity's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the charity for more information.
More
Providing for Our Children's Future
Ron and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
More
Bequest of Insurance
Marla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future.
More
Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!
We have all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible.
More