Charitable Remainder Trust Spotlight: Mike And Rita Hartzog’s Legacy Plan

Mike and Rita Hartzog wanted a legacy plan that would support the church but also ensure a steady source of income for their son. “Our son will turn 40 this year and has Down syndrome, and everything we’re doing is to make him comfortable,” shared Mike.

Passionate about disability ministries, the Hartzogs want their estate gifts to enable their congregation, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Charleston, S.C., to better serve its members with disabilities. They also want to support ministries at the regional and national levels.

Stephanie Burke, a regional gift planner with the ELCA Foundation, introduced Mike and Rita to the concept of a charitable remainder trust, which they felt confident would provide a stream of income to both their son and those ministries they feel called to support. “We were looking at the bigger thing here, which was helping people after we’re gone,” said Mike. “We tithe to the church, and we want to make sure that our giving continues after we’re gone.” The ELCA Foundation also helped the family identify beneficiaries that best align with the intent of their gift.

“Stephanie took what could have been a complex and possibly expensive process and turned it into something we actually enjoyed doing,” added Mike. “We are now secure in knowing our gifts to the ELCA will be well-used in the manner we intend. We highly encourage church members to make use of their regional gift planner.”

Interested in exploring your planned-gift options? Contact our regional gift planners, Lisa Marie Higginbotham and Josh Kerney, to discuss your next steps. Contact Lisa Marie here, and contact Josh here.