Building a Legacy of Generosity: Humphrey Guild Hosts Legacy Giving Forum

What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy? For some, it’s about supporting the people and causes they care about. For others, it’s an opportunity to make a difference in their community for generations to come.

On September 28, ForKids’ Humphrey Guild brought together a panel of financial, legal and philanthropic professionals for an Investment Forum focused on the importance of legacy giving and the many ways individuals can support the future of ForKids.

Moderated by Lloyd Taliaferro, CEO of MANCON, the discussion featured Jennifer Pfitzner, CPA, of Saunders, Matthews & Pfitzner, PLLC; Stuart Birkel, Principal of Waterside Financial Group; David Kamer, Member of Kaufman & Canoles; and Andrew Cohen, Managing Member of General Investors Realty Associates.

The conversation explored the many considerations involved in planned giving, from estate and financial planning to charitable giving and the personal motivations behind leaving a legacy.

A Foundation for Future Generations

The forum opened with a look at the ForKids Foundation and the important role it plays in sustaining the organization’s mission.

Today, the Foundation has grown to $4.7 million and has provided ForKids with $700,000 in unrestricted funding over the past four years. These funds help ensure that ForKids can continue providing critical services to children and families experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Established to support ForKids for generations to come, the Foundation represents the lasting impact of individuals who choose to include the organization in their estate plans.

A Conversation for Future Generations

The forum opened with a look at the ForKids Foundation and the important role it plays in sustaining the organization’s mission.

Today, the Foundation has grown to $4.7 million and has provided ForKids with $700,000 in unrestricted funding over the past four years. These funds help ensure that ForKids can continue providing critical services to children and families experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Established to support ForKids for generations to come, the Foundation represents the lasting impact of individuals who choose to include the organization in their estate plans.

A Conversation About Giving Back

Throughout the discussion, panelists shared their professional perspectives and personal experiences with charitable giving. Topics included the role of financial and estate planning, considerations around charitable gifts during one’s lifetime or through an estate and the many ways individuals can incorporate philanthropy into their plans.

The conversation also explored the importance of thoughtful planning and the value of working with trusted professionals when considering a legacy gift.

Andrew Cohen, who with his wife Susan, has included ForKids in their own planned giving, offered a simple but powerful message to those considering a legacy gift:

“Just do it. Don’t wait. It is a joyful opportunity to think about how we can keep helping and contributing to our community.”

His words captured the spirit of the afternoon: Legacy giving isn’t simply about financial planning. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what matters most and how we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A Legacy That Lives On

The Humphrey Guild takes its name from Dwight and Dorothy Humphrey, whose generosity helped establish a tradition of legacy giving at ForKids.

Beginning with modest monthly contributions, the Humphreys supported ForKids during its earliest years. After Dwight’s death, a gift from his estate provided $69,000 to the organization, helping ensure that his commitment to children and families would continue beyond his lifetime.

Today, their example lives on through the generosity of others who have chosen to include ForKids in their estate plans.

The Investment Forum was an opportunity to celebrate that generosity, learn from experienced professionals and reflect on the lasting impact of philanthropy.

We are grateful to our panelists for sharing their time and perspectives, and to the members of the Humphrey Guild and the broader ForKids community whose generosity helps ensure that future generations of children and families have the opportunity to thrive.

Interested in learning more about legacy giving at ForKids? Visit our Humphrey Guild page to learn more about how you can help build a lasting legacy of generosity.

We encourage you to contact your estate attorney or accountant regarding a planning gift. Once your plans have been established, ForKids would be delighted to have a record of your plans for our files and so that we can include you in Humphrey Guild recognition, mailings, and invitations.