Debby and Michael Fatjo had a vision for their future. Michael had retired after a career in sales and Debby from a management position as a psychotherapist at Kaiser Permanente. They wanted financial security in retirement and to spend their time living out their values. As they approached this new stage in life, they reflected on a rental home they owned—while they appreciated the income stream, it was becoming burdensome to manage. They began reviewing their options and approached charitable organizations that were aligned with their family’s priorities: health care and education.
When the Fatjos inquired about planned gifts, they were impressed with the response from the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. Debby and Michael felt that right from the start they were working with a knowledgeable and professional staff who made them feel extremely comfortable. Michael shared, “We were new to the idea of life income gifts such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder unitrusts and were brought up to speed quickly with the various options, benefits, and impact these types of gifts may have for us and the hospital.”
They quickly learned that by donating their real estate they could receive many tax benefits as well as simplify their lives. Both Debby and Michael were impressed that life income gifts make it possible for families to leave a lasting legacy and also support themselves during retirement years.
Michael passed away in 2020, and Debby continues to receive income from their life income gifts funded by real estate and has the peace of mind from the plans they put in place years ago. Debby is a member of the San Jose Auxiliary and works each week in their Thrift Box, where the proceeds from all sales are donated to Packard Children’s Hospital.
“Even today after our gift has been completed, I feel connected and a part of a wonderful community,” says Debby. “All donors are treated equal, whether you are a millionaire or of modest means, and we believe the children at Packard Children’s Hospital are cared for in the same way.”
Debby sits with friends she met through the Lucile Packard Foundation: Donna Bandelloni (left) and Missy Ryan (right)
To learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your charitable goals, reach out to the Gift Planning Team.