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L to R: Lee Ann Coogan, Trever
and Michael Schreiner

TREVER'S FUND

Before Lee Ann Coogan, a software industry director, married Michael Schreiner, owner of a catering business, she acquired a condo as an investment.

When they purchased a home together and had a son, Trever, the property's equity became a future college fund. Given the property's appreciation, the couple faced
substantial tax implications in liquidating their asset.

"We were advised to place our property into a charitable remainder trust," Coogan said. "This enables us to bypass capital gains taxes, receive an income tax deduction for the portion that will go to charity and also enjoy an income stream for life. When we're gone, the investment becomes a legacy fund at SDSU named after Trever. We're able to give him so much more than a college education—we're giving him a life-long lesson in philanthropy."For Coogan and Schreiner, The Legacy Society was an exciting and emotional choice. "When Trever takes over the management of our fund, he'll know his father and I were interested in supporting the Hospitality and Tourism Management program because it fuels the industry we love," Coogan said. "But he will also have the flexibility to support his own interests. What's more, he can pass on to his children this opportunity to make a difference."

Ann and Joe De La Torre

A FAMILY LEGACY

Ann Baert De la Torre, a former nurse originally from Belgium , owned two highly appreciated rental properties yet had no retirement security; since she worked mostly abroad, she had no pension. As such, Ann wanted to leverage her real estate holdings in order to provide her with some income for retirement.

"My financial planner knew I'd face heavy capital gains penalties if I sold these properties outright. What's more, I needed this money to remain invested so that I could partially live off of its dividends. Placing my real estate into a charitable remainder trust was a 'win-win' proposition on many levels—for one, it provides an annual income for the rest of my life. It all made great sense financially," Ann said.

What's more, when I pass away, my trust will benefit SDSU as well as other local and national charities. My husband and stepchildren are already involved they're developing their own charitable interests. I foresee them wanting to be a part of allocating our family legacy funds return, said Ann. Whether I tell them where Id want the money to go, such as a scholarship for nursing students, or they decide, I can rest assured that our legacy fund will benefit those in need. The best part is that I didn't need to invest a seven-figure sum to do some good.