Whereas, Michigan residents are a remarkable, generous people with more than an estimated 70 percent of households making charitable contributions annually; and,

Whereas, According to a 2005 survey conducted by Michigan State University, only 42 percent of Michigan residents have a will and only 14 percent of those having a will include a bequest to a charity; and,

Whereas, All adults should have a will, the starting point of an effective estate plan regardless of family wealth or circumstances; and,

Whereas, The National Committee on Planned Giving believes that the American people make few bequests in their wills simply because most people have not been asked to consider making a bequest; and,

Whereas, Nonprofit organizations provide excellent and essential services in all areas of our lives, religion, education, health care, research, the arts and social services for the poor and disadvantaged; and,

Whereas, Charitable giving through bequests provides each of us the opportunity to support and perpetuate for future generations those values and ideals most important to us and our families during our lifetime; and,

Whereas, Many Michigan nonprofit organizations, allied professionals and community leaders are engaged in the LEAVE A LEGACY ® public awareness effort that aims to "Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow" by encouraging estate gifts which will enable the nonprofit sector to continue to serve and sustain the quality of life that makes our state and   its communities good places to live, work and raise families; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2007, as Leave a Legacy Month.  I encourage all citizens to recognize the value of leaving a legacy through wills as vital support of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations in the very important work they do.