"Many years ago, back in the 1920s when I was in elementary school, our classes used to go to Northrop Auditorium by streetcar in order to hear the children's concerts. That was the beginning of my education and my joy in classical music.

Betty Bryan

About five years ago, I decided that I had lived long enough so that there probably would be some assets left to distribute to organizations that I was particularly interested in and that had done a lot for me. So that's how it started. My will was revised to accommodate these wishes. A certain percentage of assets that remain after family members are taken care of will be distributed to several nonprofit organizations that I have a special interest in.

Designating a bequest is not hard to accomplish. My lawyer, my accountant and I sat down together and it all just fell into place.

The Minnesota Orchestra's goals are my passion, and when you feel that way about an organization you want to do what you can to pass it along to the next generation."

—Betty Bryan

Clifford Fortin, Ph.D

"Good music, well played, truly does have charms that soothe, as proven to me countless times through the years after an often hectic week working with students in my classroom at the University of Wisconsin--River Falls. My early years were bereft of any formal musical training, but enrollment in graduate school at the University of Minnesota after World War II provided an opportunity to join the University Ushers and observe Maestro Mitropoulos, the Orchestra, and the guest artists at close range. Those experiences have led to a life-long appreciation for the efforts of all in our community who contribute to the ongoing successes of the Orchestra with its concert series, tours, and especially its outreach programs. I value the opportunities that the Association creates for students to experience great music in their formative years. With facilitating that in mind, I decided to participate in the Orchestra's gift annuity program. In exchange for my gift, I receive a lifetime income. My quarterly payments are reliable. And I am secure in the knowledge that the residue of my gifts will support the outreach programs and the Orchestra's other vital activities.

Having a life-income agreement with the Orchestral Association involves an interdependence that is different from normal annual giving. For one thing, I am not only giving financial support, but also receiving it. This enhanced sense of partnership enlivens the feeling that 'we are in this together.' Additional annuities deepen this connection even further."

—Clifford Fortin, Ph.D

Frank and Laurel Winsor

"The Minnesota Orchestra has always been a major part of our lives. And playing in the Orchestra is a thrill you never get over. It's just wonderful. When I retired as a member of the Orchestra's horn section after 42 years, I was asked to serve on its Board of Directors. Then I saw the need for long range funding, and Laurel and I wanted to contribute financially.

A charitable remainder unitrust is a great vehicle for anyone who has highly appreciated securities and has charitable intent. We had several stocks that had appreciated a great deal over the years. If we sold them, we would have paid a lot of capital gains taxes. We talked it over and met with our attorney, and decided it would be a great way to make a gift for the Orchestra. It also did good things for us. These were mostly growth stocks, paying little or no income. We put them in a charitable remainder unitrust where we get seven percent of the annual value returned to us as income. And we received an immediate income tax deduction. The trust keeps growing, and it's invested in good stocks. Some day when we're both gone, the Orchestra will receive the remaining trust assets. We feel good about that. Someone asked us why we're giving to the Guaranty Fund and making a generous estate gift. I just said, 'Well, they need the money and we don't.' I thought that was a good answer.

We hope our gift will enable people in the Twin Cities area and worldwide to enjoy the benefits of this fine Orchestra. We would like to see the Orchestra available to more people, including children and youth in the Orchestra's outreach programs."

—The Winsors