May 2019: Leave a Legacy Month

WHEREAS, Michigan residents are a remarkably generous people, as demonstrated by their high level of annual contributions to 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, recent surveys indicate less than half of Michigan residents have a will, and few of those having a will include a bequest to charity; and,

 

WHEREAS, nonprofit organizations provide excellent and essential services in all areas of our lives, from religion, education and health care, to 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 values and ideals that are most important to us and our families during our lifetime; and,

 

WHEREAS, The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners believes that the American people make few charitable bequests in their wills simply because they have not been asked to consider doing so; and,

 

WHEREAS, many Michigan nonprofit organizations, allied professionals, and community leaders are joined in the LEAVE A LEGACY® public awareness program to encourage estate gifts that “Make a Difference in the Lives that Follow;” and,

 

WHEREAS, that the month of May be devoted to encouraging estate gifts, which continue the work of valued nonprofit organizations to serve and sustain the quality of life that makes our state and its communities good places to live, work, and raise families;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as Leave a Legacy Month in Michigan.