Making A Difference in Mental Health

Barbara Rayden

Barbara RaydenAs Barbara reflected on the many blessings in her life and the best way to share those blessings, she quickly realized that she wanted to help an organization that shares her passion for mental health.

Like so many others, Barbara has witnessed people in her life struggle with trauma and mental health conditions. She also has always had a passion for behavioral sciences. Through her career and own amazing journey of finding clarity and self-esteem through different types of therapy and guidance, she has remained committed to studying, experiencing and supporting mental health.

Barbara chose to support the Stress Trauma and Resilience (STAR) program at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center because of its potential to change the landscape of mental health. STAR offers mental and psychological support needed to deal with stress and trauma. A variety of programs and services are available for those who have suffered trauma, in addition to community members who work in health care, public safety, the military and similar high-stress professions.

"We all know people who may benefit from finding solutions through therapy. If only there were the proper resources and no stigma—just imagine how much healthier and happier the world would be," she said.

Barbara is making a difference in mental health by supporting the STAR program with a gift from her estate. When talking with her estate planner, they strategized the best way to protect her assets during her lifetime while also giving to the causes that are most important to her. A gift from her will was the perfect solution.

"Ohio State is an enormous engine for innovation, growth, research and aid in our community. My vision and goal is to have as large an impact as I can possibly have in helping the STAR Program achieve its goal of becoming a center for excellence in central Ohio," she said.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to The Ohio State University Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to The Ohio State University Foundation, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

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Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

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You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Ohio State as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Ohio State as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Ohio State where you agree to make a gift to Ohio State and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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