Those of us who skied together in Anchorage 1999 will recall the exciting evening when the Endowment Fund Drive was launched, appropriately so, by Valerie Anders, the wife of a former astronaut! I recall thinking that evening that this was certainly an idea whose time had come, and was pure genius for the insurance it could provide toward keeping SFL alive and well into the distant future. Then, at our memorable 25th SFL in 2000 in Colorado, former SFL President Bud Keith offered his own generous financial expression of appreciation to the Endowment Fund, keeping the effort on its feet and in the tracks to the top.
As part of the vision towards raising one million dollars over the coming years, the Endowment Fund committee strategy includes approaching foundations, corporate sponsors, etc.
Leading that strategy, without a doubt, is personal commitment to the fund. The fund is receiving donations primarily from individual donors. This is in keeping with a vital and basic premise of SFL, that of personal responsibility in the matter at hand.
As you and I periodically assess what is of true and lasting value in our lives, we would agree that the SFL experience is really one of those unique and miraculous activities that keeps on growing and giving back to all of us throughout the years.
Remember as each of us starts the SFL week, forging a partnership of trust toward a common goal? The goal, that of puffing up a rather long hill, then terror turning to joy as we careen down the other side, mostly in control! Mistakes are made, and we sometimes fall. Then we laugh, dust ourselves off, and continue on down. Now, tell me that if that doesn't translate to the rest of what you and I do in life!
In the privacy of your chambers this spring, get comfortable, pour yourself your favorite drink, and take some time and consider what you would want to leave as a monetary and lasting legacy to the SFL future. Do the math. Bits and pieces and gobs from each of us over the years add up quickly! Can you believe that at present we have over $260,000 in the Endowment Fund!?
One idea that Jean and I have really liked over the years is to give shares of stock, which the receiving nonprofit organization sells. The organization pays no taxes on the long-term gain, and we realize the tax deduction. We have done this with SFL, and have caught certain stocks going up the mountain, in tracks set right alongside those of our Endowment Fund! If this idea appeals to you, please feel welcome to contact us for information at 509-448-2631 or thelarsons@yahoo.com.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and consider this. Have a wonderful year, and we look forward to skiing with you in 2007!