Don't Forget Waseca During this Season of Giving

by Jerry Rutledge
Vice-Chairman, Waseca Area Foundation

Americans are the most charitable people in history. We voluntarily give away more money than the rest of the world combined! We have a tradition of helping others and supporting good causes in our communities that goes back for decades.

Waseca is really fortunate to have many generous residents who support a variety of nonprofit organizations. Charitable organizations like the 38 funds of the Waseca Area Foundation provide grants to fund critical services in Waseca – but, we still have valuable organizations in Waseca that often struggle to raise needed funds.

Yes, 2007 was a banner year for the Waseca Area Foundation. The successful Waseca Water Park opened in June and several WAF funds combined to grant about $80,000 toward that project! Four new funds were added to the Family of Funds including a new fund for the Library, a new fund for the Historical Society and a fund in memory of Curt and Nita Sjoberg. I'm sure you've noticed the Foundation kiosk across from the Court House and the memorial sidewalk bricks surrounding it. 174 of these bricks were purchased by fellow Wasecans in memory of friends and loved ones. (Bricks are still available- call 835-5990). In August, the E. F. Johnson Foundation was brought back to Waseca and became one of the Funds of the Foundation Family of Funds. And in October, the Foundation held a very successful triennial Gala to raise money to help insure that our office and our Executive Director will be there for you for the next 3 years. Yes, indeed, this is all very good news for Waseca. But trust me, there are still many needs not being met.

Here's an idea you may not have considered. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 provides special gifting opportunities for charitably-minded folks over age 70 1/2, permitting transfers directly to qualified charities from traditional IRAs without tax consequences! Several fellow Wasecans have taken advantage of this generous possibility. But hurry, unless Congress renews this wonderful statute, it will expire at the end of December, 2007. Consult with your attorney or financial advisor for further information about how this opportunity can help you with your estate tax planning.

So, this holiday season, we thank you so much for your attention to charitable needs right here in Waseca. I ask you to please consider a Christmas gift to the Waseca Area Foundation. Or think about the possibility of establishing your own, named fund to benefit your favorite local charity. Either way, you'll know that we are working together to build permanent endowments that will improve the quality of life in Waseca for generations to come.

Jerry Rutledge

Rutledge is a life-long native of Waseca, one of the founders of the Waseca Area Foundation and currently serves at Vice-Chairman.