Meet Our Donors

John & Eleanor Knox
Charitable Gift Annuity, Will, IRA Distribution, Appreciated Stock

Ask John and Eleanor Knox about giving and they will tell you, "Giving back to worthwhile charities that we know personally brings joy and great satisfaction to us.”

The Knoxes have immersed themselves in their Lutheran congregation and the organizations affiliated with the church. John's involvement for 20 years with the boards of Lutheran social service organizations and Lutheran Charities, he says, “has enabled us to learn about the great works and services of KenCrest and Lutheran Children and Family Service. This is why we have included both of these agencies in a charitable gift annuity and in our wills.”

They have also given creative annual gifts, including appreciated stock and a distribution from their IRA. Why? “Both are advantageous tax-wise,” John says, “and this year you can give from your required IRA annual distribution up to $100,000 to charity, and this gift portion is not included as taxable income.” The Knoxes are both wise stewards of their own resources and generous contributors to their favorite organizations. Thank you, John and Eleanor.

Jim & Mary Jane Brenneman
Charitable Gift Annuities

Jim and Mary Jane Brenneman have been KenCrest enthusiasts for some time, and recently they included KenCrest in their retirement and estate planning. They chose to purchase charitable gift annuities to support KenCrest and three other organizations close to their hearts.

“We have chosen organizations that match our interests and have a strong commitment to meeting needs of the community. They are organizations we are confident will continue to serve far into the future,” they explain.

Mary Jane and Jim consider charitable gift annuities “a win-win for the organizations and for us. We are able to give generously to these organizations, receive an income in our retirement and a tax benefit as well. The charitable annuity rates are actually higher than some other fixed income instruments we could have invested in.”

The Brennemans have known KenCrest for a number of years. Mary Jane recalls attending a KenCrest auxiliary fashion show years ago, and they both attended a gathering where they met KenCrest staff. “We were so impressed with the staff’s commitment and professional skills. We love to see what’s being accomplished through KenCrest.”

Through their planned giving Jim and Mary Jane are ensuring that KenCrest will thrive and continue to create new services for people with disabilities in the years to come.

Mitch & Shirley Miller
Charitable Gift Annuities

Thirty years ago when a friend asked Mitch Miller to serve of the KenCrest Board of Directors, he knew nothing about the organization. “I said yes because she is a close friend.” He quickly learned that “KenCrest is a wonderful organization.” He and his wife Shirley have been supportive ever since. Mitch eventually became president of the board and was a member of the search committee that selected Bill Nolan to be executive director 27 years ago.

As they approached retirement, Mitch, a lawyer, and Shirley began to rethink how they wanted to give to their favorite organizations, including KenCrest. They decided to use charitable gift annuities (CGA). Each year for the past five years they have invested in a two-life CGA, each for a different organization close to their hearts. They chose KenCrest’s centennial year to make their generous planned gift to benefit KenCrest. Although they are not Lutheran, they chose to make their gift through the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Foundation.

Like many donors, Mitch and Shirley appreciate the option to give a sizeable gift in their lifetime and at the same time ensure a dependable stream of income.

Jim & Dina McFalls
Insurance

About 5 years ago, the McFalls became members of KenCrest’s Second Century Society. Although they were still paying for their children’s college, they realized they could pay into an insurance policy and name KenCrest as the beneficiary. This was an easy way for them to help assure KenCrest’s future. At the same time, giving a planned gift invested Jim even more in the future of KenCrest, no small statement.

Jim is the Director of Youth and Adult Services and has been with KenCrest for 25 years. Jim always wanted to be a psychologist. He started his career as a teacher while attending graduate school. Throughout his career Jim has been helping others. He has moved from teaching into social work, family counseling, behavioral counseling, consulting, and his work at KenCrest.

Before deciding upon an insurance policy, Jim and Dina talked with a planned giving specialist about the best financial vehicle for their circumstances. Jim recommends this type of gift to others who feel they don’t have resources for a planned gift. Life insurance is a simple way to pay a small premium monthly and help KenCrest in the future.

Jim and Dina’s gift continues their legacy of caring for others and extends their involvement with KenCrest well into the future.

KenCrest Centers
502 West Germantown Pike
Suite 200
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 825-9360 x210