Chayanika’s Story – Part 1: “I want to make a difference”
“Social change through music is something that hits me at my core.”
I love OrKidstra. Social change through music is something that hits me at my core. At my age and stage, I’ve narrowed my interests and passions, and I want my actions to have the biggest impact. We have two young boys, and I want to make a difference in the world they live in and set an example of what it means to give back to your community. While my husband and I have been donors to OrKidstra for several years, my conviction and dedication have grown deeper since I joined the board. We have spoken on numerous occasions about wanting to leave a donation to OrKidstra in our Will, and I think it’s about time we get it done!
“We have two young boys, and I want to make a difference in the world they live in and set an example of what it means to give back to your community.”
Having a husband who is a financial planner, I feel like our family is fortunate to be well equipped in this area. We have a Will and life insurance and review our financial planning several times a year. However, one thing we have not yet done is include a charitable gift in our Will. The concept is not new to me, as I have worked at Foundations in the past; I have seen the amazing difference that donations to charities through estates or life insurance policies can make, but for whatever reason, I had not yet done this myself. This is likely because I was not at a point in my life where I had a strong enough connection to a charity.
From my very first concert experience with OrKidstra, my eyes were welling up with tears from the moment the children started playing: I knew it was an organization that would be an important part of my life. I cannot help but feel immensely invested in OrKidstra’s well-being and want to see the organization succeed well into the future. With this strong connection, I’d like to take steps to incorporate a charitable gift into my estate plans. It’s never too early to think about making a gift in your Will!
“As I learn more about making a gift in my Will, I will share my experience so that we can all learn together.”
With that being said, I have a ton of questions about the process, the best way to donate, and how to integrate this gift into our existing plans. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a multi-millionaire for your contribution to make a difference! I was delighted to learn that the Will Power initiative is helping people like me to connect with available resources and to answer questions. As I go on this journey, I invite you to join me. As I learn more about making a gift in my Will, I will share my experience so that we can all learn together.
Stay tuned!
Chayanika Abeysekera Lutes, OrKidstra Board Member
