The holidays are upon us; a time for giving thanks, giving gifts, and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. In honor of the season of giving I would like to share this article from USA Today about philanthropist Charlie Annenberg Weingarten, grandson of diplomat and media tycoon Walter Annenberg. Mr. Weingarten is the director of Explore, a branch of the Annenberg Foundation “whose mission is to champion the selfless acts of others, to create a portal into the soul of humanity and to inspire lifelong learning.”
Mr. Weingarten is fortunate in that he has the opportunity to give back to communities all over the world in a manner that he feels is most beneficial—namely, by making it personal. “I can’t understand giving if it’s impersonal… I don’t give grants by somebody sending a 20-page docket.” Instead, Mr. Weingarten “spends time with people whose causes he believes in and films the visits to call attention to what they do.”
Not all of us have quite the resources of Charlie Annenberg Weingarten, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have opportunities to give. For those who have charitable inclinations, our firm can help in a number of large or small ways. We have helped families set up private foundations; which, in addition to their philanthropic benefit, also help those families save on income taxes, capital taxes and estate taxes. We also help individuals give to their favorite organizations on a smaller scale—either as part of a regular charitable donation, or by making that organization a beneficiary of their will or trust.
Our firm is honored to help our clients with the causes they hold closest to their hearts. We hope all of you have an opportunity to give this year, and we wish you all a very happy holiday season!