The Legacy of a Red Cedar
The great red cedars of Bainbridge Island remind us that the most enduring gifts are rarely immediate. They spend generations growing, weathering storms, and offering shade, shelter, and strength to those who come after them.
August is National Make-A-Will Month, a fitting reminder that estate planning is much the same. While a will is an important legal document that provides clarity and peace of mind for the people we love, it is also something more.
It is an opportunity to ask ourselves:
What do I hope will continue because I was here?
It's a deeply personal question, and for many people, the answer begins at home... but doesn't end there. They provide for the children and grandchildren they love while also setting aside a portion of their estate to strengthen the community that helped shape their lives and the lives of their family.
Here on Bainbridge Island, we've been humbled by the generosity of neighbors who have chosen to include Bainbridge Community Foundation in their estate plans. Through our Red Cedar Council, we honor these visionary individuals whose legacy gifts are planting seeds for the future and ensuring the causes they care about today will continue to thrive for generations to come.
One of the remarkable things about planned giving is that it often allows people to make their largest charitable gift without changing the way they live today. By leaving a small percentage of the assets you've spent a lifetime building, you can provide for your loved ones while creating lasting good for the community you cherish.
Perhaps it's preserving opportunities for future students through scholarships. Supporting the arts that enrich our community. Protecting our natural environment. Responding to needs we can't yet imagine. Or simply ensuring that Bainbridge remains the caring, connected place we all love.
A thoughtfully prepared estate plan also brings peace of mind to your family. It provides clear guidance, honors your wishes, and eases difficult decisions during an emotional time. If you already have a will, August is an excellent opportunity to review it and make sure it still reflects your life today.
For Washington residents, it's also worth remembering that our state has its own estate tax, which may apply to estates above approximately $3 million, which is far lower than the federal threshold. A conversation with your attorney or financial advisor can help ensure your plans reflect both your wishes and your family's needs.
Every year, members of our Red Cedar Council gather to share a meal and reflect on the future they hope to help shape. It's a room filled not with conversations about wealth, but about values, community, and the hope that future generations will inherit a thriving Bainbridge Island.
If you've already included Bainbridge Community Foundation in your will or estate plans, we'd be honored to welcome you to the Red Cedar Council. If you're considering a legacy gift, or simply have questions about your options, we're always happy to have a confidential conversation.
I think there's something really profound about "We didn't plant them. We inherited them." That's exactly what BCF is about. We inherit a community from those who came before us, and we have an opportunity to leave it stronger for those who come after.
For questions about the Red Cedar Council or a legacy gift through Bainbridge Community Foundation, contact Leah Stephens Clark, our Development Officer, at leah@bainbridgecf.org or (206) 842-0433.
