Philanthropy Helps You Live Longer
Musicians, artists, authors, inventors, philanthropists … are these people who like to play with model airplanes? What do they have in common?
I’ll speak in general terms. For one, they are very much into the value of life. They really enjoy what they do and, of course, they are good at it as well. It brings them happiness. Being happy is the most important thing in our lives. I find that being around these types of people is more peaceful.
Our flying field is more of a social meeting place than a place to spend time flying. Friendships can form that sometimes last a lifetime.
I recently lost my good friend, Jim Harris. We flew and built models together for 62 years. It was just wonderful. Jim enjoyed piloting multiple types of model aircraft, including Control Line Precision Aerobatics (Stunt). Because of his passion and dedication to the hobby, he included AMA in his last wishes. Jim drew up a will with an attorney and named the AMA Foundation as a beneficiary in his estate.
Lately, I have been helping comb through the many aircraft he left behind. For some families who have lost modelers, this can be an overwhelming and cumbersome task. The AMA Foundation receives multiple calls and emails from widows and children whose loved ones cherished the hobby but left no indication of what should be done with their models. Most families opt to sell them, but many don’t know how to offer the aircraft at a fair price. The Foundation typically suggests that loved ones in such situations contact the AMA chartered clubs in their areas for assistance.
End-of-life planning is something that no one wants to discuss. It makes people uncomfortable and even mad. This means many people do not follow through with—or even start—their estate planning. It can create a mess for survivors. Do the kind thing: Get your ducks in a row while there is still time.
If you don’t want to spend money to create an estate plan, consider using the AMA Foundation’s gift of free online estate planning through FreeWill. After you’ve filled in all documents, make sure to get your will certified by an attorney. There is no obligation to leave any part of your estate to AMA; this is simply a tool that is offered as a thank you for being a loyal AMA member.
After you have completed this step, and if you choose to include a gift to AMA in your plans, please let the AMA Foundation team know. This allows them to induct you into the AMA Legacy Society. Most importantly, it gives them a chance to thank you and share with you how your gift will make a difference for years to come. I have done just that … and I’m glad I did.
Philanthropists such as Jim and others live longer because they enjoy life so much. Leave a bequest to the AMA Foundation in your will. Let us know how to direct your dreams by visiting partner.freewill.com/amafoundation.
Next time, I’ll discuss endowments.
