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Barbara Bilisoly: A Lifetime of Love and Commitment to Homeless KidsQ. What inspires you to give to Covenant House kids?
Of course, young people in those days didn't have all the complex problems that today's young people have to deal with. That's why Covenant House is more important than ever.
A. Back in the 1940s, during the Second World War, I was a young lady living in New Orleans French Quarter and working at a home for orphaned children run by my church. Sometimes we were so overflowing with children that we'd have to take them home with us for short periods of time, because the fire marshal said we had too many in the orphanage. So I learned early in life that these were good kids who really just needed a chance. Q. Whey did you choose to dedicate a $250,000 Gift Annuity to Covenant House? A. I just wanted to do something meaningful to help these beautiful but lonely and lost young people who come to Covenant House for help. I always promised myself that one day, if I was in a position to help and the right opportunity presented itself, I would make a real difference with a large donation to someone who does great things for kids. Q. What do you find unique about Covenant House's mission? A. Covenant House was the obvious choice. I've always been very fond of Covenant House, and the young people they care for so splendidly are so very close to my heart. I feel so good about my gift to Covenant House, and I know that there are others out there who would appreciate the experience and the feeling of this level of commitment to such a worthwhile cause. Q. What would you describe as the greatest reward of giving? A. Knowing my Gift Annuity will help care for homeless youth well into the future. |
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Frequently asked questions about Covenant House Gift Annuities
How is my annuity rate determined? Your maximum annuity rate is determined by your age at the time of your gift. Rates are higher for older ages. Once your gift is complete, your annuity rate is locked in and will not change for your lifetime. Do charities offer the same annuity rates? Annuity rates are recommended periodically by the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGC). Over 1,000 charities subscribe to the ACGC recommended maximum rates in order to simplify the process of deciding on an annuity. Can my gift annuity stop because it runs out of funds? Your annuity payments are guaranteed and will continue uninterrupted for your lifetime. How is my annuity income taxed? For a period of years, part of your annuity payment is considered a return of your gift to you. So, for a cash gift, part of your annuity payment will be completely tax free to you. Can I use stock to start gift annuity? Appreciated stock (held over a year) can make a wonderful gift annuity, locking in your future payments while avoiding capital gains tax. Can I get monthly payments? To save administrative costs, all Covenant House gift annuity payments are paid quarterly for your lifetime by check or EFT. Is my gift annuity safe? Your gift annuity is very safe. Your payments are guaranteed by our Annuity Reserve Fund, invested primarily in US Treasury Bonds and reported annually to the Insurance Departments of New York and California. In addition, your annuity payments are guaranteed by the entire net assets of Covenant House. Have any other questions about the Covenant House gift annuity? You can help homeless kids build their futures while helping yourself to generous financial benefits. Please give us a call at 1-866-COV- HOUSE (that's 1-866-268-4687) |
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