Endowment Fund Donation Information

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Your financial help is vital to guarantee the future of the Theatre Pipe organ

The opportunities for giving to the ATOS Endowment Fund are almost unlimited. A gift may be
large or small. Most members and friends of ATOS find themselves in a position of holding
appreciated assets that would make wonderful gifts to the Endowment Fund. Gifts of cash,
securities, real estate, art objects, jewelry, bequests, life insurance, and individual retirement
accounts are just some of the many ways in which you may contribute to the Endowment Fund.
You are encouraged to consult with your attorney regarding your many options for giving to the
Endowment Fund.

You do not have to be wealthy to leave a lasting legacy

The most practical gift to the ATOS Endowment Fund depends upon your individual
circumstances. Not everyone is able to make a sizeable cash or real estate donation during
their lifetime. That means that most ATOS members and friends will contribute through
bequests, life insurance, IRAs, etc. By selecting one of these methods of giving, you will control
the ultimate distribution of your estate. You will be able to make a lasting contribution to a cause
you believed in during your lifetime.

Tax benefits of giving to the ATOS Endowment Fund

Because the American Theatre Organ Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, all donations
to the ATOS Endowment Fund are tax deductible. Members and friends who are interested in
contributing to the Endowment Fund should consider the beneficial tax implications of a gift of
long-term appreciated property. Marketable property -- either securities or real estate -- should
be reviewed. In many instances, a gift of property itself is likely to be more tax advantageous
than writing a check.

How do I make a gift to the ATOS Endowment Fund?

Those who are planning on leaving assets to the ATOS Endowment Fund after their death must
have a will or trust. Such documents provide instructions for the distribution of one's
possessions after death. Ideally, these documents should be drafted by a qualified attorney,
preferably an estate planning specialist. A will or trust should specify the names of the
beneficiaries, as well as the shares in percentages. If you desire that all, or a portion, of your
estate go to the ATOS Endowment Fund, your will or trust must specify that you are making a
bequest to the ATOS Endowment Fund. The exact percentage of your estate that you wish to
donate to the Endowment Fund must be stated.

It is easy to change an existing will with an addition known as a codicil. Trusts are easily
changed by adding an amendment. A codicil or an amendment will modify only those provisions
to which it specifically refers. However, if major revision is needed, it is usually better to have
your attorney prepare a completely new will or trust. Remember, a bequest may be in the form
of cash, securities, real estate, life insurance, individual retirement accounts, jewelry, art
objects, or virtually anything of value.Recognition

While living, any individual or couple that arranges a bequest to the ATOS Endowment Fund is
immediately eligible for Heritage Guild membership, with special recognition in the ATOS
journal, Theatre Organ (with the donor's permission).

Summary

Those who strongly believe in the preservation of the theatre pipe organ and its music will want
to help guarantee the future of this great instrument. By making a donation to the ATOS
Endowment Fund, you can be assured that your gift will continue to support of this great cause
long after your death. By executing a will or trust, you will have made provision for your family,
friends, and the institutions of your choosing. You also will have gained greater peace of mind
knowing that the assets you have acquired during your lifetime will be distributed according to
your wishes.

Inquiries are welcomed

If the ideas presented here interest you, we will be happy to send you information on Estate
Planning and Donor Information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
the ATOS Endowment Fund Office. All inquiries are kept in strict confidence.

Please note: you are urged to obtain the services of a qualified attorney to assist you in your
estate planning.