Upclose and Personal

In this section of the newsletter we will be interviewing a different member of the either the Foundation Board, a grantee, or a donor. Today we are talking to Jamie Gordon the current President of the Mountaineers Foundation. Jamie has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2003 and president since 2007. He has been a member of the Mountaineers since 1987 having served on the Mountaineers Club Board and as Chairperson for both the Mountaineers Players and the Kitsap Cabin.

Jamie, tell me about some of your experiences with the Mountaineers and the Mountaineers Foundation?

"I started my Mountaineers experience with the Mountaineers Players and the Forest Theater. The Rhododendron Preserve was an exquisite backdrop to the fellowship and camaraderie of my extended family in the Players. In 2000, the Mountaineers Board of Trustees closed Kitsap Cabin (the main building on the property) due to its deteriorated condition. We worked with the Mountaineers Foundation to establish a fund for repairing the historic facility. We raised over $130,000 and reopened the building within 18 months."

Why do you continue to donate your money and time to the Mountaineers Foundation?

"The Foundation impresses me because it enables small, locally focused environmental groups to do very effective work in their communities. Often, these folks don't get funded by 'the big guys'. Also, we support the Mountaineers Club to put on great educational programs like the NW Environmental Issues Course or the Kitsap Branch's Salmon Safari. The Club's one-of-a-kind Mountaineering Library is also funded by the Foundation. I'm passionate about the Foundation for the reasons I stated -but I'm also motivated by my respect for my board colleagues and our donors. They impress me constantly with their dedication, professionalism and passion for the Foundation's work."

Jamie, what are some of the goals that you are hoping to accomplish as President of the Mountaineers Foundation?

"The Foundation and the Mountaineers Club have a shared history and a common vision for protection and enjoyment of our natural environment. The Rhododendron Preserve (adjacent to the Club's Kitsap Property) is a great example of close cooperation of our two organizations. The relationship is critical to our mutual success. We now have the structure and ability to provide financial support for Club programs with our donor's money. The Club's Library, Kitsap Cabin Restoration, and the many great educational projects at Mountaineers Books are fine examples of how we are working together. I want to strengthen and deepen our relationship so that we can help facilitate great Club programs that forward the Foundation's mission. Another goal of mine is to communicate more effectively with our donors, hence this newsletter."

I want to thank you Jamie for taking the time to share some of your thoughts with us today.

Mountaineers Legacy Society

By Judy Halls
Mountaineers Development Coordinator

For many Mountaineers and their friends, the club and The Mountaineers Foundation have become part of their extended family. Over the years, we received many legacy gifts through members' wills or living trusts. "Now we finally have a way to thank these donors while they can still appreciate it, and offer resources to make their gift planning easier," stated Eric Linxweiler, Mountaineers president. Linxweiler referred to a newly formed partnership between The Mountaineers and The Mountaineers Foundation, thus creating The Mountaineers Legacy Society. The Legacy Society is being established to recognize and honor those visionary donors who have provided for a gift to The Mountaineers or The Mountaineers Foundation in their estate plans. In launching The Legacy Society, The Mountaineers will provide its members with information about the available gift options and their various financial and tax advantages. The club will also provide verbal samples of bequests that can be shared with donors' advisors. In addition, expert charitable-giving consultation by an outside consultant will be offered at no cost or obligation to club members.

To qualify as a member of The Legacy Society, an individual simply arranges a gift now that will go to The Mountaineers Foundation at some time in the future, most often at the end of the donor's life. This type of gift not only allows individuals to provide significant support but allows them to keep control over assets should they need them during their lifetime. "It is a win-win situation," said Jamie Gordon, president of the Foundation. The most common types of legacy gifts are:

• Bequests in a will
• Disposition through a living trust
• Beneficiary designation on IRAs and other retirement plans, life insurance policies, bank and brokerage accounts, commercial annuities
• Charitable remainder trust
• Charitable lead trust
• Remainder interest in residence or farm

pWhile the gift won't come to the organization for some time, individual donors can specify now how they want their gift to be used. It can be used where needed most-the Club or the Foundation-or to a particular program or area of interest. It can be spent in full or be added to a permanent endowment where the gift supports the desired activity in perpetuity. Also, a permanent memorial can be created with an endowed fund that carries either donor name(s) or those of loved ones.

Founding member status

Those who arrange for a deferred gift benefiting the Club or the Foundation in 2009 will always be recognized as “Founding Members” of The Mountaineers Legacy Society. Founding membership status will be available through Dec. 31. Some members have already informed the Club or Foundation of their legacy gift arrangements and they have been automatically granted founding-member status. If you have made such a gift arrangement, please let the Legacy Society know so that it can welcome you as a founding member as well.

Part of your legacy will be found in your work over a lifetime and in the people you've influenced over the years. It will also be found in your final gifts to organizations and charities you cherish, such as The Mountaineers and The Mountaineers Foundation.

For more information

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