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We help foster faith-based stewardship in the community for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of all. When Laurie and Bob Sammon received an invitation to the Heritage Society Mass and dinner in September 2021, they were not sure what to expect. As faithful givers to the Catholic Charities Appeal, they had been invited to hear more about the Heritage Society. They learned that it was a group of donors from throughout the Diocese of Cleveland who have included a parish or diocesan ministry in their estate plan. It prompted them to think of how they might create a legacy gift for Catholic Charities, which they have long supported.
Natives of Northeast Ohio, both Laurie and Bob have lived their whole lives in the diocese. In 1984, they were married at St. Mary of the Falls Parish. For the last 36 years, they have been members at St. Matthias Parish and raised their family in Seven Hills. They are now retired empty nesters.
When they reflect on why they give to Catholic Charities, they say it comes from a call to share their blessings with others. They have faithfully given to Catholic Charities for decades. In fact, Bob is an excellent record keeper, and still remembers the first check he wrote to Catholic Charities in 1977 for $10.
They continue to give because they strongly believe in the work of Catholic Charities. Every year, they enjoy hearing the stories featured in the appeal. Every individual story speaks to the many different ways people benefit from the programs and services of Catholic Charities. “You can see how the work of Catholic Charities makes a difference in so many people’s lives.” After attending the Heritage Society Mass and dinner, Laurie and Bob went home that night and talked more about it. Their will was already in place, but they looked at other options of legacy giving. They decided to set up an IRA, naming Catholic Charities as a beneficiary of it. Their goal is to continue to grow it into the future. They also liked that when the time comes for them to take required distributions, they can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to Catholic Charities tax free. It is a double benefit.
In the meantime, the Sammons continue to faithfully give to Catholic Charities. Looking to the future, Bob reflects, “Our hope is that Catholic Charities continues to do the good work it does, and that people are inspired to support its work.”