Why consider a legacy gift
For many people, charitable giving is something they do throughout their lives. Legacy giving offers a unique opportunity to extend that generosity far beyond the present moment, creating a lasting impact for future generations. Recently, longtime Hope in Focus supporters Bill and Betty Smith shared why they chose to include the organization in their legacy plans, and their reflections offer valuable insight for anyone considering the same path.
When asked what inspired their decision, Bill and Betty pointed first to trust. Over the years, they developed a deep understanding of Hope in Focus, its mission, and the people who lead it. The organization’s firm commitment to supporting families affected by inherited retinal diseases, while also advancing important research efforts, gave them confidence that their gift would be used thoughtfully and effectively.
One defining moment for the Smiths was meeting families living with inherited retinal diseases and attending conferences where those families gathered to share experiences, seek guidance, and find support. They saw how Hope In Focus connects people who might otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed by a rare disease diagnosis.
They also saw the practical, everyday value of the organization’s outreach, which included access to resources, learning how to advocate for needed services, and finding reassurance from others who had already walked a similar path. Those experiences reinforced the Smiths’ belief that Hope in Focus is changing lives in meaningful ways today, while also supporting research that could transform lives tomorrow.
Perhaps the most powerful theme in Bill and Betty’s story is that legacy giving lets their values live on after they are gone. They view their planned gift as a way to extend the blessings they have experienced to help ensure that Hope in Focus can continue serving families for years to come.
Legacy giving helps provide the foundation for ongoing support, education, advocacy, and research, ensuring that future families have access to the same resources and sense of community that exist today.
For anyone thinking about making a legacy gift, Bill and Betty offer simple but meaningful advice:
• Learn about legacy giving and understand the options available
• Choose organizations that reflect your values and have earned your trust
• Become involved. Attend events, volunteer, and get to know the people whose lives the mission touches.
• Remember that every gift, whether given today or through a future estate plan, has the power to create positive change
They also note that planned giving does not replace giving during one’s lifetime. As Betty put it, there is wisdom in the saying, ‘It’s better to give with a warm hand.’ Legacy giving is a meaningful extension of generosity, but seeing the impact of your support today is equally rewarding.
Legacy giving is ultimately about more than financial support. It is about the values you choose to pass on, the causes you believe in, and the future you help create.
For Bill and Betty, including Hope in Focus in their estate plans was a natural expression of their commitment to a mission they trust and a community they care deeply about. They hope others will consider how they, too, can leave a legacy that provides lasting encouragement, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.