Planned Giving

Acequia Madre Society

The acequia makes possible a life that otherwise could not be afforded - Bruce Selcraig

A Living Connection

In New Mexico, where vital water supplies are often meager and unpredictable, early settlements and villages created a means of channeling available water to tracts of land where it was needed. These man-made ditches, called acequias, served as an irrigation system that sustained entire communities. The main ditch in the irrigation network was known as the acequia madre, or mother ditch. Everyone who benefited from the water delivered by the acequia was responsible for contributing to its upkeep.

The history of acequias somewhat parallels the history of the people of New Mexico. Villages in Spain began using acequias for irrigation as early as the Roman Empire. As Spain sent explorers and colonists to the land that would become New Mexico, they discovered early acequias used by the Pueblo Indians for irrigation of their cornfields. Tools and horses brought by the Spaniards aided in the digging of better acequia networks in the land that is now northern New Mexico.

The significance of the acequia madre captures the spirit and vision of Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation's deferred gift donors. Individuals who choose to honor and support Presbyterian with a planned gift are truly contributing to the upkeep of a network in their community with a mission to improve lives by improving health.

"The Door is Open" -- By George C. Pearl

My story is simple. It has been my good fortune for the past 50 years to do the work which I wanted to do and do it right here where I wanted to be.

The Albuquerque community has been kind to me. It has allowed me to work and paid me adequately for the work I did. As soon as my earnings exceeded my needs, I had no doubt about how to use the surplus.

I wish I had more to give. However, I know that the attitude of giving might be as significant as the size o f the gift. This suggests that if I can be a philanthropist, the door is open to everyone. The meaning of the word philanthropy has broadened, becoming wide enough to include people of very limited resources.

If I can be a philanthropist, that door is open to everyone.

2001 Philanthropist of the Year Awarded by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (Excerpted from Mr. Pearl's acceptance speech on National Philanthropy Day; November 2001)

Planned Gifts Make Tangible Differences

Planned gifts are the result of individuals thinking ahead to the future needs of an organization and deciding to include that organization, in some way, in their estate plans. These gifts can take many forms, but all of them represent the passion and commitment of the donor.

Since Presbyterian was founded in 1908, planned gifts have made a tangible difference in the care we deliver.

Anna Kaseman's gift was used to construct a new hospital on Albuquerque's northeast side, an area of much growth at the time of her death in 1964.

Margaret Erickson's gift was used to complete construction of the new chapel at Presbyterian Hospital in downtown Albuquerque and will bring artwork and music to patients to make their stay in the hospital more comfortable.

Harrison Brehmer Jr. was the son of a physician who served as Presbyterian Hospital's chief of staff in the early 1940s. He left his estate to the Foundation when he passed away in 1988. His gift was used to build the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and continues to fund equipment and programs within Presbyterian's Children's Program.

It is important to realize that caring people, with estates large or small, always have something to contribute. Philanthropy is not limited to those with a wealth of resources, but is open to all those with a wealth of love for their community.

If you are considering a planned gift to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, you should consult with your financial advisor, attorney or accountant to determine the best method for you to use to communicate your passion and commitment to the organization.

Some examples of planned giving vehicles are:

Retirement Plans

Donors can name the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation as beneficiary on all or part of qualified plans (IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, etc.)

Trusts

There are many variations within the creation of a trust, such as remainder trusts, annuity trusts, unitrusts, and many others. Nearly all trusts permit the donor to change the beneficiary during his or her lifetime.

Life Insurance

Donors can transfer ownership of a life insurance policy to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation or name the Foundation as the beneficiary of the policy.

Wealth Replacement Techniques

Even while making significant charitable gifts, donors can pass the majority of their estate's value to their heirs by using wealth replacement techniques, such as funding life insurance within an irrevocable life insurance trust.

If you would like to make a gift or receive information, please call Vicki Macaulay, Director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts, at (505) 724-6581.