Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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Ensuring a Peaceful Retreat

Jeanie Caldwell

Jeanie Caldwell

It was 1985. Jeanie Caldwell's 15-year-old son, David, had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Shortly after, he suffered a major stroke.

Jeanie was scared but determined to save her son. She wanted to be at his side as much as possible, but it was a struggle. The drive from her Escondido home to Rady Children's Hospital was daunting for the single mother, who also held a full-time job.

Jeanie was scared but determined to save her son. She wanted to be at his side as much as possible…

Staying Close to David

Jeanie longed to stay close to David around the clock. But in 1985, San Diego's Ronald McDonald House had only eight overnight rooms for families. They were completely full.

So Jeanie endured the lengthy commutes, devoting her love and attention to David each day. After several long weeks, she rejoiced when he finally returned to their beloved home.

David touched many lives in the 24 years that he lived following his stroke, until he passed in 2009. For family and friends, he had been a blessing and a joy.

North Courtyard

Families tend garden in North Courtyard

Years later, Jeanie heard of new ways families are cared for at today's much larger Ronald McDonald House, even those families who aren't staying overnight. She decided to take a look for herself.

Parents need quiet time to deal with the trauma of their child's health crisis.

Discovering the Ronald McDonald House

On her visit, the North Courtyard captured Jeanie's attention. A large, tranquil area with lovingly tended trees, it stretched for nearly the length of a football field! Families relaxed on its comfy patio sofas to the sounds of a mirrored fountain's gentle waterfall.

The scene brought Jeanie back to David's hospitalization years earlier. "Parents need quiet time to deal with the trauma of their child's health crisis. When David was ill, it was hard to find that privacy in the hospital." Jeanie appreciated that parents at today's House have access to such peaceful and private spaces.

Following her tour and inspired by her friend Jim Kuden, a Many Hearts Legacy Society member, Jeanie announced she had named San Diego's Ronald McDonald House in her estate. "I want to help make sure that future families continue to find a place of calm during the upheaval of their child's medical crisis."

Jeanie has chosen to leave her beloved home to RMHC-San Diego. Through the gift of one house, Jeanie is contributing to create a "home-away-from-home" for so many others. We're grateful for Jeanie's thoughtful, generous bequest.

What You Can Do

Jeanie joined her friend, Jim, by becoming a charter member of the  Many Hearts Legacy Society. We're deeply grateful for their generous gifts to our families.

You can help ensure families like Jeanie's have private, quiet spaces for talking through concerns or bonding with loved ones. Naming the House in your will or trust makes that possible.

Arranging a planned gift takes just a few simple steps:

  1. Contact Christina Jordan at 858-598-2461 or cjordan@rmhcsd.org.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  3. Learn more at rmhcsd.planmylegacy.org

If You Include the House in Your Plans

If you include the House in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID:

Legal Name: Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, Inc.
Address: 2929 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123
Federal Tax ID Number: 95-3251490

Grantor Charitable Lead Annuity Trust

Provides income payments to a qualified charitable organization for a period of years, the lives of one or more individuals or a combination of the two; after which, trust assets are paid to the donor of the trust.

A power of attorney form that transfers ownership of stock.

Securities such as stock that are in certificate (paper) form.

Investments that have increased in value since the time of their purchase.

Testamentary means bequeathed through one's will.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego 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 [insert amount, percentage of the estate, or 'the rest and remainder of my estate'] to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, Inc.

Federal Tax ID #95-3251490

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

A donor-advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to the House or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

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.

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) provides income to you, as the donor of the CRT, or to other named individuals, and does so each year for life or for a period not exceeding 20 years. The remainder of the assets go to your chosen charity.

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 the House 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 the House 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 the House where you agree to make a gift to the House 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.