Planned Giving is a Way to Give Back

Karla and Tom Raupp have always supported local charities, but Karla was looking to find a special connection to give of herself. She is a nurse who began volunteering at the Kansas City Hospice House™ in 2008. She enjoyed spending time with patients and their families and found she was able to really connect. She shared with Tom the impact of her experiences and they both developed a passion for the mission of KCH&PC.

They served on the Angel Gala Committee for two years and then Karla became the voice of volunteers on the Planned Giving Committee. “I felt like a fish out of water with all those financial people,” said Karla. “I know they valued my perspective, but I wanted to contribute more.” She recommended Tom and he served as the committee chair for four years. When he joined the KCH Foundation Board last month (see his profile on page 2), he stepped down as PGC chair, but continues to serve on the committee.

“I was already supportive of the mission of KCH, but being exposed to the inner workings really gives an opportunity to see the challenges that a nonprofit faces,” said Tom. “Every step of the way, it was clear that this is a well-run organization that is a good steward of its resources. The deeper you go, the more you understand the needs in our community and the importance of this unique organization in providing such a breadth of programs to our community.”

In April, Tom’s father was admitted to Hospice House and the couple found themselves with a new pers-pective. “It’s one thing to hear about what KCH does,” said Tom, “but when your own family needs care, you see things in a very personal way.” Understanding the need to ensure that the KCH mission is carried out for generations to come, Karla and Tom have made a Legacy Gift, including KCH in their estate plans. 

For information on making your own Legacy Gift, call Mary Zahner Bauer at 816.276.2625.