The Summit Center Vista Society

Provide life-changing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities with a planned gift to The Summit Center. Your planned gift will be a lasting tribute to your beliefs and ideals: that people with disabilities deserve abundant rich experiences, that our world is better a place when everyone can achieve their full potential.

You do not need a vast estate to make a planned gift, just the earnest intention to make a difference. Participation in the Vista Society is a way of showing what you value most. It may encourage others to examine how they, too, can have an enduring impact on The Summit Center’s future.

If you have left a gift to The Summit Center in your will, or have made other financial plans that benefit the children and adults we serve, let us know by completing a Vista Society enrollment form. We would like to thank you during your lifetime.

Often, charitable bequests can be made by simply adding a codicil to an existing will. Check with your attorney or estate planner to see if you can amend your existing will with a codicil.

Honoring Your Support

To show our deep appreciation, you will receive the following as a Vista Society member:

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Summit Academy
• Invitation to our donor appreciation event
• Invitation to other special events
• Recognition on our website
• Recognition in our annual report

Types of Bequests

Specific Bequest
You can designate a specific dollar amount or percentage to The Summit Center. These funds can be used where they are needed most, or they can be restricted to a specific program.

Residuary Bequest
Your estate will make all required distributions and pay all specific bequests. The remaining amount will be gifted to The Summit Center.

Contingent Bequest
With a contingent bequest, you can allocate a gift to The Summit Center in the event that one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled. For example, you can stipulate that if a spouse or child predeceases you, Summit would become the contingent beneficiary.

Sample Language

“I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] to The Summit Center Inc., tax ID 16-1095750, for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

Ways of Giving

• Bequest in your will
• Stock transfer
• Life insurance
• Retirement account
• Traditional IRA
• Real estate
• Charitable gift annuity
• Charitable lead trust

Questions?
Contact Kara Lee, Director of Development
716.629.3449
klee@thesummitcenter.org