Many people desire to be more generous, but lack the financial planning tools necessary to maximize their giving. The Giving Tuesday brunch sponsored by Regency Wealth Management and Young Life of Ridgewood provided an outline of strategies that families and individuals can use to optimize their charitable efforts.
The morning began with the reading of a proclamation by Ridgewood deputy mayor, Albert Pucciarelli, encouraging “more, better, and smarter philanthropy”. The proclamation designated Tuesday, December 1st, 2015 as #Giving Tuesday, and encouraged residents of Ridgewood to acknowledge the day as a day of giving.
Jim Lloyd, area director for Young Life of Ridgewood, a non-profit student organization, gave an inspirational update on the group’s work in area high schools and colleges. Mr. Lloyd also outlined plans for the launch of a ministry to teen mothers and a ministry to adolescents with disabilities.
Financial and estate planning as a means to help support generous giving was the focus of the second half of the morning’s program. Topics covered included:
- Planning for generosity by Mark Reitsma CFP, partner at Regency Wealth Management
- Estate planning by Patrick Anderson, partner at Hanse Anderson LLP
- Using donor advised funds by Jacqueline Valouch, VP, Charitable Planning Consultant at Fidelity
A number of non-profit organizations were also represented at the brunch, highlighting their needs as opportunities for increased generosity.
Regency Wealth Management led the way in giving by making a $25 donation to the charity of choice for each of the attendees and encouraged the guests to match their donation.
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York City with the purpose of encouraging and celebrating giving.
Young Life is an international mentoring and leadership development organization focused on students.
Regency Wealth Management is one of the premier boutique wealth management practices in the country, providing a select group of clientele with sustainable financial progress.