The ALS Association, Greater Sacramento Chapter November 2012 ...

How you can help
Honor a Loved One in the Fight Against ALS
Lou Gehrig’s Disease can change a person’s life in a profound way. It’s up to us to
inspire others to join the fight against this unforgiving disease by sharing our own
personal stories.
You can be source of strength and support for the ALS community by creating a
Community of Hope Tribute Fund today. The ALS Community of Hope is made up of
people diagnosed with the disease, families who guide their loved ones through the
effects, children who face the loss of their parents, caregivers who dedicate themselves
to easing pain and neighbors who volunteer to help however they can.
Create a Community of Hope Tribute Fund today to bring together friends to share stories, provide updates,
listen, give encouragement, pay tribute and raise awareness of ALS. Your Tribute Fund has the potential to
bring together spouses, friends, children and neighbors in the battle against ALS. And give HOPE to the honoree
and their family. Together we can let people with ALS know they are not facing this disease alone. They
are part of a greater community, a Community of Hope.
Retiring with Meaning - Helping Your Kids & Fighting ALS
Odds are high that some or all of your assets are in one or more Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) you
own. What’s often overlooked in estate planning is that assets in an IRA pass outside your will. Instead, the
distribution is governed by the beneficiary designation form you completed when you set up the account.
Here are some important points to keep in mind when thinking about how you would like your IRA assets
distributed after your death:
1. Because charities, like The ALS Association, can receive IRA assets tax-free, every penny of your hardearned
and saved IRA dollars go to find a cure for this devastating disease. Without proper planning, retirement
assets may be subject to both estate and income taxes at your death. By donating your IRA, you will
receive an estate tax charitable deduction and you can designate less heavily taxed assets to your heirs.
2. If you have not reviewed your beneficiary designation forms for some time it’s a good idea to check
them. Be sure you check not only the forms you have on file but also the forms that are on file at the financial
company. Most brokerage and mutual fund firms make it easy for you to change beneficiaries. They can
send you a form through the mail and often forms can often be found on their website.
3. Remember that it is not necessary to designate 100% of your IRA assets to a single beneficiary. Even a 5%
designation to our Chapter can make a significant difference in our ability to provide compassionate care
for people living with ALS. For more information or for assistance in making a legacy gift of IRA assets, please
contact our Chapter office.
The California Tax Check-Off Campaign has successfully raised
$124K for The ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease Research Fund since January
of 2012. 100% of these funds (less the states 10% administrative
fees go directly to finding an effective treatment for ALS.
In 2013 we will again launch the “Get the 414 on ALS” campaign. We
must raise $250K by June of 2013 in order to maintain our voluntary
contribution status on subsequent year’s California tax forms.
Help us spread the word to friends, family, colleagues, and most importantly
your CPA or tax preparer. Ask them to help us find a cure
for Lou Gehrig’s Disease and spread the word about the opportunity
to give on line 414 in California!
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