A Lifetime of Rescue Spirit

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  5. Linda Falcone

Linda FalconeLinda Falcone's support of rescue efforts for homeless dogs and cats goes back to when she started her first job after high school in 1968. After learning about North Shore Animal League America's no-kill philosophy, Linda began donating every month. Her dedication to us has been ongoing for over 50 years. You could say, however, that her dedication started the day she was born.

"Dogs have always been my passion," said Linda. As an adult, she's known as the "dog lady" in her neighborhood. When her last dog Boomer passed away, Linda began walking neighbor's dogs until she felt ready to adopt. She also volunteered at a local shelter, taking care of the dogs. As an eight-year-old child, Linda would find stray dogs on the streets in Yonkers, NY and use her allowance to feed and take care of them.

Linda's current dog Alexis Noel, "Lexi", is now reaping the benefits that comes from Linda's experience caring for so many dogs over the years. When Lexi was adopted, she was already 13 months old and had never been housebroken or groomed and never walked on a leash. While Linda knew that adopting a dog that may have been abused would have a special set of challenges, she felt that she was Lexis' only chance and did not hesitate.

Lexie is now a loved member of her family and Linda sees how important it is to educate people about animal rescue, a key part of North Shore Animal League America's mission. And most importantly, if a person thinks that an animal's being abused, speak up," asserts Linda. "The animals can't help themselves if they're in a bad situation."

Through her support, she has helped North Shore Animal League America rescue hundreds of homeless dogs and cats and find safe and happy homes. So when it came time for Linda to create an estate plan, it was only natural for her to include a future gift in her will to save animals. "I am happy that I've been a part of this for so long."

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to North Shore Animal League America a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

I give to North Shore Animal League America, Inc., Federal I.D. No. 11-1666852, 16 Lewyt Street, Port Washington, NY 11050, (the sum of $______) (all or ___ % of the residue of my estate/trust), to be used for its general purposes.

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to North Shore Animal League America or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to North Shore Animal League America as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to North Shore Animal League America as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and North Shore Animal League America where you agree to make a gift to North Shore Animal League America and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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