Bequests, Planned Gifts, and the Legacy Circle

I think we have not yet had otolaryngologists think, perhaps sufficiently, about what the potential is in terms of legacy giving. And, certainly the possibility to have someone remembered—have them remember the Academy, in their will—is something that I hope will happen increasingly over time. I hope that otolaryngologists will at least think about the possibility of remembering the Academy in their will.
David W. Kennedy, MD; AAO-HNS/F President, 2008/09

Bequesting to the Foundation
For more than 100 years, your Academy and Foundation have been dedicated to forever preserving the advancement of the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery through education, research, humanitarianism, and lifelong learning. Recognizing the importance of the work you have helped achieve through giving generously of your time and finances over your years of membership, we ask you to consider taking an important step to ensure that this work continues beyond your lifetime. One essential manner to sustain and strengthen the future of the specialty is to make provisions to include the Foundation in your will or estate plans. Your bequest or legacy gift will help continue our mission and traditions of excellence for many years to come. We invite you to consider making a bequest and to become a member of the distinguished Legacy Circle (see below).

There are many options for remembering the Foundation in your will. If you plan to make a charitable gift through bequest, please think it through carefully to identify what you would like to will, how you would like the gift used, and if there are any special considerations attached to the gift. Then, meet with your attorney to discuss and update your will. Tell him or her exactly what you want to do. Be as clear as possible in describing what you want given to whom. After consulting with your family and counsel, please include the following language to remember the Foundation in your will:

“I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its [unrestricted or other] use and purpose.”

If you are interested in speaking with a development staff member about your bequest, please contact us.

Planned Gifts
You may wish to consider a gift of life insurance, stock, or charitable remainder trusts, which can offer sustenance for the future funding needs of the Foundation while also offering you and your family tax and estate benefits. One idea for a significant future gift would be to purchase a new life insurance policy naming the Foundation as the beneficiary, which would provide a low cost cash gift with significant recognition.The Foundation’s Legacy Circle recognition program will ensure that your dedication to the specialty continues to be recognized well into the future. For more information, please contact us.

If you are interested in speaking with a development staff member about your planned gift, please contact us.

The AAO-HNSF Legacy Circle Members
The AAO-HNS Foundation expresses its gratitude to the following individuals who have made a commitment to the future through a bequest or planned gift to the Academy or its Foundation. Through their generosity, many critical programs that will enhance the practice of future otolaryngologists will be made possible.  

Noel L. Cohen, MD (Hon) Freiburg and Baukje Cohen

James Croushore, MD

Michael H. Diamond, MD

Michael E. Glasscock, III, MD

Thomas A. Graves, MD

Helen F. Krause, MD

Frank E. Lucente, MD

David R. Nielsen, MD

Michael M. Paparella, MD and Treva R. Paparella

Harlene Ginsberg and Jerry M. Schreibstein, MD

Anthony P. Sertich, Jr., MD

P. Ashley Wackym, MD

Ernest A. Weymuller, Jr., MD

David L. Witsell, MD, MHS

Three other individuals are anonymous members of the Legacy Circle. Updated 11/18/2009

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Legacy Circle, please contact us.

Legacy Circle Recognition
We hope you'll tell us when you have named the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Foundation in your will or provide a bequest or a planned gift. We would like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity.

Each year, Legacy Circle donors receive special recognition:

• at the Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, where their names appear on the wall of recognition, they are acknowledged for their commitment to the specialty’s future at the Opening Ceremony, and they receive special Legacy Circle ribbons to accompany their badges.
• in our Annual Report, in our journal and Bulletin publications, on our website, and at special events such as regional conferences.

Of course, if you prefer to remain anonymous, your gift will be kept completely confidential. However, recognition of your gift can encourage others to do the same. Whatever the case, we will honor your wishes, because we appreciate your support immensely.