Part 56

Thomas M. Boles, 33°, G.C.
Director of Development
Tel . 562-691-4227;  Fax 562-691-5327

A profile of two Scottish Rite donors demonstrates the benefits of philanthropic giving.

Hi again! Last month I mentioned a great idea from our new Director of Major Gifts, Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°. He has suggested, and I fully agree, that we publicly recognize some of you wonderful supporters of the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., and its many philanthropies.

This month I would like to call attention to two very wonderful human beings and philanthropists, Ill. Arthur S. Billings and his lovely wife, Faye. They hail from the Sacramento, California, area and Bro. Art belongs to the Scottish Rite Body of Sacramento.

Following one of my little talks (some people claim I can't give a little talk) at a Valley gathering, Art and Faye approached me, each with a checkbook in hand, and offered to give  $10,000 each for our Foundation. I asked if they didn't want to give it directly to the Sacramento Clinic, but both agreed that giving to the Scottish Rite Foundation in Washington, D.C., would help the clinics across the Southern Jurisdiction. Knowing they were strong supporters of the Sacramento Clinic, I suggested a way in which they could not only help our Foundation in Washington, D.C., but also benefit the Sacramento Clinic. It really was a simple solution, and here is how it worked to everyone's pleasure. By giving a total of $20,000, they would receive approximately $1,400 a year in annuities. With this money, they could buy a $50,000 life insurance policy, which may reach maturity in about 8–10 years, and they could name the Sacramento Clinic as beneficiary. Then, after the policy reaches maturity, they could do with the annuity what they wanted. In addition to the $70,000 value to charity now, they received $14,800 in Charitable Tax Deductions for themselves on the day they put the initial $20,000 to work in the Scottish Rite Pooled Income Fund. This tax deduction could be spread out over a total of six years. Now we are up to $84,800 in total benefits for the Billings and the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., for that initial $20,000 gift/investment, not including the possible savings in estate taxes.

The rest is history, and someday, which I pray will be many, many years off, hundreds of children will be told about the kindness of Art and Faye Billings, not only in the Sacramento area, but all across the country. May God bless these two wonderful people for their loving, generous support. Which leaves my "ad" for this month to read: When you give from the heart, you walk down a path lighted by sunshine from Heaven, and these sunbeams will never cast a shadow.

Please Note: This information is distributed with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expertise is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. From: A Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers.
Ill. Thomas M. Boles, 33°, G.C. (left) 
has worked extensively in fund-raising for children's programs throughout our Fraternity. For more information on planned giving, see coupon previous page or call Tom at 562–691–4227 (Fax 562–691–5327) or the Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, at 202–232–3579, ext. 143. 

Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°
recently joined our development team as Director of Major Gifts. He has been a member of the Fraternity for 25 years and served in 1978 as Master of Lafayette Lodge, No. 111, Baltimore, Maryland. He is also a member of Boumi Shrine Temple in Baltimore, the York Rite, and a dual member of the Scottish Rite Valleys of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. You can reach Ill. Bro. Ihle toll free at 1–800–486–3331.