An IRA Gift to Support the Arboretum’s Future

Don Brown and Mary Church Brown grew up in LaGrange Park and Clarendon Hills, respectively, and enjoyed coming to The Morton Arboretum as children. Their memories began with their parents, then their two children, and now their five grandchildren—"four generations already and more to go!”

“We both have fond old and current memories of the Arboretum and are happy to support such a special place and everything it provides—trees on beautiful grounds, the Children’s Garden, events, research, everything,” they say. “The grandkids especially love the forts, bridges, and tadpoles!” To ensure that their support of the Arboretum lasts beyond their lifetimes, the Browns have arranged a bequest in their will to make a gift to the Arboretum from their IRA.

The Browns chose this type of gift for the tax advantages. Charitable gifts from IRAs are tax-wise because family members and other loved ones would be required to pay income tax on the amount received, whereas tax-exempt organizations like the Arboretum pay no taxes—leaving the full amount of your gift to be used to achieve your philanthropic goals.

“It’s always been such a special place in our hearts and a big part of our lives,” they agree. “We’re really tree huggers at heart, so we’re very happy to support The Morton Arboretum’s important mission as well as provide a little slice of heaven for all its visitors.”

Don and Mary encourage others to consider the types of legacy gifts they could leave to support the Arboretum’s mission well into the future. “It’s so important to support The Morton Arboretum because of its dedication to trees and our fragile environment,” they conclude. “We need to make sure it’s around for future generations so they can create their special memories and continue to learn about, enjoy, and value nature.”