Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation educates its donors

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Deborah Breen, President & CEO
Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation

Patient revenues allow Aspen Valley Hospital to maintain status quo, yet it is philanthropic support that truly allows us to achieve excellence. New technology, new talent and new facilities are all made possible through the generosity of our donors. In fact, the final phase of the Hospital’s master facilities plan rests in the hands of our philanthropic community.

A lot has been discussed about the tax law changes and the overall impact on philanthropy. Having a higher standard deduction may mean that many Americans will no longer need to itemize deductions, which would include itemizing deductions for charitable contributions. The theory is that itemizing deductions inspires giving. I disagree with that theory.

Some people may be incentivized to give because of certain tax benefits. However, the majority of donors give because they want to make a difference and support a worthy organization that is doing good work.

There are a lot of nuances to the existing and new tax laws concerning charitable giving and estate taxes. At Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, we find that our most engaged donors are those who are informed about all the options and vehicles that can be used to make a gift.

Outright gifts remain the most popular way to give. However, there are many estate planning techniques that can meet key objectives such as leaving more to heirs, less to Uncle Sam, and including a philanthropic component in your final plans.

To that end, we thought it would be timely to have our very talented estate planning attorney, Bill Gustoff, offer a special “Lunch & Learn,” on Friday, February 23, about how these new tax laws impact individuals and estates.

Bill, who visits Aspen monthly to assist AVH Foundation’s donors and friends with values-based estate planning strategies, will present on all relevant aspects of the law, including estate planning, charitable planning and general effects of the new tax law. Bill is also available by appointment and if you would like a private, complimentary consultation to talk more specifically about your tax and estate planning.