Lionel Ridgwell in Vietnam (1966).

Charitable gift annuities a win-win for donors, veterans

You could say that helping other veterans is a passion of Lionel Ridgwell. Reaching out and connecting his fellow veterans to his local DAV office is just one of the many ways Ridgwell tries to do his part in looking out for them. So upon learning about the benefits—for both DAV and himself—of taking out a charitable gift annuity with the DAV Charitable Service Trust, he knew what he wanted to do. And when the opportunity arose, he didn’t think twice. “I think the cause is very good, and help is needed to do it,” he said. “I was in the position to have this opportunity, and it’s my pleasure to be able to do this.”

When asked why he supports DAV, he explained that DAV has helped him, along with many of his friends. One of those friends directed him to DAV about seven or eight years ago, and he’s been grateful ever since. “I feel you are doing a wonderful job helping the veterans who served this great country.”

By taking out a charitable gift annuity through the Trust and making a contribution of $10,000 or more, Ridgwell now receives fixed monthly payments that he will continue to get for the rest of his life while leaving a legacy of hope and compassion that will allow us to help countless more veterans long after he is gone. A charitable gift annuity is a win-win for Ridgwell and the Trust. In addition to the fixed payments for life, he may also be able to take a charitable income-tax deduction and will be recognized in the DAV Guardian Society for his generosity and compassion.

If, like Ridgwell, you want to help our nation’s heroes and lend your support to the millions of veterans we serve, contact us today to discuss taking out your own charitable gift annuity through the Trust. One of DAV’s Personal Philanthropy Programs team members would be happy to send you an illustration and discuss your personal options.

 

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