The 10 local Jewish organizations who have been participating in the LIFE & LEGACY program run by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation are closing out a second successful year. The focus for Years 1 and 2 was to have legacy conversations and generate commitments. In Year 2, which ended on April 30, each participating organization reached their goal of 18 commitments—and six of them reached the stretch goal of 25 commitments. 

The incentive for 18 commitments is $5,000, while the incentive for 25 is $7,500. There was also a $2,000 incentive for the organization that generated the most commitments for other organizations. This year, that winner is the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, which generated 17 commitments for other organizations. Mazel tov!
Totals for Years 1 and 2 for the entire community are $7.7 million in estimated gifts through 471 commitments from 291 donors! The community will celebrate this momentous achievement on Sept. 17.

The focus for Years 3 and 4 will now shift. Although having legacy conversations and generating commitments remains of vital importance, the goal is now to formalize the commitments that have already been received. Formalization can be done by making a provision in one’s will or retirement account or through a life insurance policy. Volunteers from participating organizations will be contacting their donors to discuss the option that will work best for the donor. 

Thank you to all of our donors and to all of the volunteers who have worked so hard over the past two years to make this program such a success in the Lehigh Valley. Together, we will finish strong.