Wayne County Foundation Promotes Make-a-Will August

The Wayne County Foundation is joining with organizations around the country to promote Make a Will Month during the month of August. A will is one of the most important tools a family can have, and yet, less than half of Americans report having a living will in case of their death. 
 
“We want to provide Wayne County residents with the tools and information they need to create wills of their own,” Rebecca Gilliam, executive director of the Wayne County Foundation, said. “A will helps bring peace of mind during a difficult time and ensures that your final wishes will be carried out as intended.”
 
Throughout the month, the foundation will share information on wills, will-making, planned giving, and more through social media and newsletters. Additionally, the foundation will promote a county-wide Make a Will event hosted by the Whitewater Valley Pro Bono Commission.
 
“We are grateful to be able to provide this event for residents of Wayne County and beyond,” said Felicia Carter, office administrator and paralegal for Whitewater Valley Pro Bono Commission. “Partnering with community organizations like the Wayne County Foundation ensures that we are able to serve as many individuals as possible.”
 
Whitewater Valley Pro Bono Commission’s Make a Will event will be held on Wednesday, August 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Bard Room at the Morrisson Reeves Library in Richmond, Indiana. Members of the public who would like to participate can register here or call Felicia Carter at 765-983-7353 for further information.
 
In addition to providing peace of mind and simplicity after the death of a family member, a will can also serve as an excellent vehicle for philanthropy. Portions of an individual’s estate can be left to an organization through a bequest in your will. These gifts can continue to support the missions that you are passionate about, even after your death. 
 
Wayne County Foundation operates many funds that were funded by gifts made through the wills of our donors. By establishing a planned gift with the foundation, a donor’s gift will continue to grow and benefit the organization(s) that the donor was passionate about in life – forever.
 
“Planned giving is one of the many ways that the foundation is able to serve Wayne County,” Gilliam said. “The foundation is always happy to help Wayne County’s residents establish their own philanthropic legacies, and having a comprehensive will is a key step on that journey.”

Since 1979, the Wayne County Foundation has existed to foster and encourage private philanthropic giving, to enhance the spirit of community, and to improve the quality of life in the Wayne County, Ind., area now and for future generations.