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Why We Give

Investing in Otterbein's Future
Martha and Frank Kuhlman have lived full and compassionate lives. Their faith brought them together when they met at the Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and their determination took them to Kobe, Japan, where they taught English for 25 years, while raising a son and a daughter Read More

An Olympic Fish Story for You
At age 85, Austin Fish won a bronze medal in the Ohio Senior Olympics! A swimmer since childhood, he had a lot of practice over the years. Read More

Giving for the Next 100 Years—and Beyond
Robert "Bob" and Marian Hellriegel grew up and lived in Seneca and Hancock counties in northwestern Ohio. Bob was an Army pilot during World War II; Marian did secretarial work for Ford Motor Company and Electric Autolite Company.
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Lifelong Payments While Making a Gift
When Otterbein Cridersville resident Mabel Wright decided to provide support for that community's capital campaign to construct a Life Enrichment Center a couple of years ago, she decided to do so through gift annuities.
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How We Earned a Gold Leaf on the "Giving Tree"
There are different types of investments. Each of us has to make a decision about where we are going to invest our time, talent and treasure. We choose to invest in the Otterbein ministry because we love living at Otterbein, and we want to make sure those who come after us have the same opportunities that we enjoy.
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Don Rowe: A Convert to Gift Annuities
Before coming to Otterbein St. Marys with his beloved wife, Louise, Don was a sales trainer and insurance agent and manager with Nationwide Insurance Company. With his CLU (Certified Licensed Underwriter) credentials, Don led sessions throughout the United States speaking with insurance agents on a variety of topics.
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Bound Together by Love
When Ruth Ann Manges became a resident at Otterbein Portage Valley, she did so with enthusiasm. But then again, that's always been her approach to life. Not only is she a member of the resident steering committee for the Campaign for Life Enrichment at Otterbein Portage Valley; she was one of the first residents to make a pledge toward the Life Enrichment Center.
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Gift Annuities: A Way to Give Back, a Way to Receive Income
Several Otterbein North Shore residents have stepped forward to create charitable gift annuities with Otterbein. These gift arrangements will provide them with fixed payments for life and support Otterbein after their lifetimes. Some see it as an investment in the place they call home. Others see tax benefits, while all see the opportunity to help Otterbein—a place they love. .
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Your Donations at Work: How One Family Was Touched by the "Spirit of Otterbein"
Just a few years ago, Frank and Betty Rodgers, in their mid-70s, were living in their own home and caring for their 42-year-old mentally challenged daughter, Grace. Suddenly, Frank had a stroke, and although he recovered for the most part, they became acutely aware that they needed to move where care, for them and their daughter, was available when needed.
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A Veranda for Vera
Otterbein Cridersville resident Vera Evans is a charming, active and vivacious person. Just scheduling time with her is a challenge because she is always busy— whether celebrating a birthday party with family in Minnesota; traveling to Branson, Mo., with friends; or visiting one of her favorite places on earth, New York City.
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A Man of Vision—Don Yaussy
Otterbein is blessed with more than its share of people with vision. A prime example of this is soft-spoken and gentle Don Yaussy, a kind and generous man.
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Giving Today and Receiving Income for a LIFETIME
“It is truly a blessing when a gift is received, and it is even more amazing that the donor could receive an income for a lifetime after having given that gift to a charitable organization,” says Diane Ruder, vice president of development for Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices. She explains that a donor can give a gift in a way that provides income while supporting the mission of the organization through a gift annuity.
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Give From the Top: Making a Difference One Gift at a Time
"The focus should be on Otterbein Portage Valley and not the fact that we gave a gift," Mrs. Wilma Ablett says modestly. Her husband of 57 years, the Rev. Joseph Ablett, agrees. "Wilma and I wanted to share what we could with Otterbein Portage Valley while we are able to do it and are able to see the results of the gift."
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Supporting the Otterbein Mission Today...And Tomorrow
Dr. Frances E. Robinson understands the importance of having a plan for retirement. She is in the process of moving from her home in Boca Raton, Fla., to a retirement community nearby. Her mother, Goldie Fowl, a resident of Otterbein Lebanon, says she can "rest easy now."
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Rofkars' Gift Annuity Benefits Everyone Involved
When John and Helen Rofkar decided to set up a gift annuity with Otterbein Homes for Otterbein North Shore, they did it because they believe in Otterbein's mission of enhancing the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons—and because they plan to live there one day.
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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices, a nonprofit corporation currently located at Lebanon, OH, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Otterbein or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Otterbein as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Otterbein as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Otterbein where you agree to make a gift to Otterbein and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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