Several years ago the WRA Board of Trustees authorized the establishment of the Reserve Heritage Society to honor the alumni, parents and friends who have included Reserve in their financial or estate plans with gifts that will help to support excellence in education at Reserve. Reserve embraces its legacy while at the same time preparing students for increasingly complex demands of the 21st century.

The Board believes that the strength of the school rests on the continued growth of the Academy endowment. The long-term ability of Western Reserve Academy to remain one of the preeminent boarding schools in the country depends on the continued support and financial reinforcement provided by bequests, charitable gift annuities and other life-income gifts that are so critical for growth and prosperity. Gifts will help make scholarships available for worthy students, attract committed teachers to do their life's work and advance programs and facilities.

Most planned gifts are made from assets rather than income and provide distinct advantages to the donor in the form of income and estate tax savings. The donor-centered approach we use to discuss planned gifts focuses on meeting your needs and those of your heirs, lessening your tax burden and supporting your philanthropic interests at the Reserve. Some arrangements can even generate a source of payments to you and/or your spouse, or heirs, for life.

It is the legacy of those who have gone before us that has created the strength on which we thrive today. We encourage you to make your own commitment to the future of Reserve by becoming a member of the Reserve Heritage Society. Some individuals exclude themselves because they believe planned giving is only for the extremely wealthy or that those charitable choices are to be made at some advanced age or stage of life. Actually, almost anyone can participate, as individually tailored plans that meet one's personal and financial circumstances are at the heart of planned giving.

You will want to let us know if your estate plans already include a gift for the Academy, so that we may include you as a member of the Reserve Heritage Society. Discussing your plans with a representative of Reserve will also help to assure that your gift is handled properly and in accordance with your wishes.

We are heartened by your interest in the ongoing work of the Academy and in assuring a legacy of strength for Reserve. If you would like to explore the methods and advantages of planned giving, or would like more information (under no obligation), I would be happy to discuss your personal situation and provide illustrations of your options. Just call 330.650.5885; all inquiries will be handled with strictest confidence.

Jack McKee '64
Director of Planned Giving
330.633.3311