Posted on Apr 25, 2019
<p><em>Written by Jessica Gmitter</em></p>
<p>Judy Maizlish recalls that her parents always
prioritized community involvement and giving to others, even when funds
were limited. “Giving is in my blood,”
she says.</p> <p>Though she’s
past retirement age, Maizlish remains willing to give her time to a job
she loves. She serves as executive director at Independence Center, a
small, nonprofit residential program in Los Angeles for people with social
and learning disabilities.</p> <p>She
commutes 45 minutes there each day and 90-plus minutes home, to help residents
gain skills they’ll need to be independent. “I’m
passionate about our mission, but I also love where I live, so the commute
is worth it,” she explains. And as a widow, she says
her job—and the relationships she’s
built through it—offer a sense of community.</p>
<p><strong>Committed to Her
Communities</strong></p> <p>As
a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes for 51 years, she has seen firsthand
how her local hospital, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, takes care of
the community’s physical and mental health and offers
opportunities for intellectual growth and lifestyle improvement.</p>
<p>“I plan to be around at least
another 15 years, and I want to be part of a community where I can stay
involved,” shares Maizlish, now 83.</p>
<p>Her observations about Torrance Memorial led
to the decision to contribute through a charitable gift annuity. With
this type of planned gift, the donor agrees to make a tax-deductible donation
of cash, stocks or other assets to the Torrance Memorial Foundation, whose
fundraising supports the continued growth and development of the medical
center. In return the donor receives a fixed amount each year for the
rest of his/her life.</p> <p>“Torrance
Memorial plays such a big part in our community and does so much to help
people,” Maizlish says. “They offer
workshops on everything from estate planning to developing better balance.
Giving to the medical center is also practical, as I’m
not getting any younger, and at some point I suspect I’ll
need more services from them beyond my family physician.”</p>
<p>She says she chooses Torrance Memorial for her
health care because it is “a huge organization, but
with that community centered, small-town feel.”</p>
<p>“We’re lucky
to have access to the resources and knowledge Torrance Memorial offers
to keep us healthy, she says. “My gift is an investment
in the sense that I know I will ‘get my money back’
through the services they provide.”</p>
<p><strong>What Is a Charitable
Gift Annuity?</strong></p>
<p>Establishing a charitable gift annuity with Torrance
Memorial Foundation allows you to support our mission and receive steady
payments during your retirement years. You can begin receiving payments
immediately or defer payments to a time you designate in the future.</p>
<p><strong>How It Works</strong></p>
<p>Through a simple contract, you make a donation
of cash or securities to Torrance Memorial Foundation, and you receive
a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life, and the life of your
spouse if you choose.</p> <p>Your
age when the payments begin determines the annual payout rate. The older
you are, the higher your fixed rate. You receive payments for life, and
whatever is left after your lifetime goes to Torrance Memorial.</p>
<p><strong>Tax Benefits</strong></p>
<p>You receive an income tax deduction for a portion
of your gift in the year you set up your gift annuity. Your annuity payments
are also partially tax-free throughout your estimated life expectancy.</p>
<p><strong>We Can Help</strong></p>
<p> Contact Sandy VandenBerge at 310-784-4843 or
Sandy.VandenBerge@tmmc.com with any questions. You may also visit <a
href="http://torrancememorial.org/plannedgiving"
target="_blank">torrancememorial.org/plannedgiving</a>
and click on Plan by Age to learn more. The online calculator can determine
payment amounts and tax benefits for your age and donation amount. </p>