Green Music Center

John Bippart Honors his Late-Wife Betsy through IRA rollover (extended through dec. 2009)

Did you know that you can make a gift directly to the Green Music Center from your IRA and it will qualify for your required annual distribution? The recently signed economic “bailout” bill includes a two-year extension (through Dec. 2009) of the IRA rollover provision, allowing individuals to make charitable gifts of up to $100,000 directly from a traditional or Roth IRA without incurring federal income taxes. To be eligible, you must be 70-1/2 or older at the time of the gift and the contribution must be made directly from your IRA to the charity.

John Bippart, former Board member of the Santa Rosa Symphony, took advantage of the rollover when it was first announced last year. John had been managing his IRA and felt it was a perfect time to make a meaningful gift. He realized that he had reached a stage in his life when he did not need more and this was an opportune time to give to an organization such as the Green Music Center that supports his and his late wife Betsy’s passion of music.

John and his wife Betsy were ardent music lovers when they lived in Los Angeles, frequently attending the LA Philharmonic. When they moved to Healdsburg more than 20 years ago they thought they would give the Santa Rosa Symphony a try and never dreamed that it was such a fine orchestra. John later became a Board member and Betsy volunteered regularly with the Symphony’s outreach program which continues to bring music and music education to a wide range of children and adults in the community.

Knowing that Betsy believed music should be enjoyed by everyone, John and his family have named the East Gallery of the Green Music Center in her memory.

The Sonoma community and the North Bay area are fortunate that people like John and Betsy Bippart want to leave a legacy for all to enjoy.
To make an IRA gift, contact Robin Draper, Associate Vice President for Development, Sonoma State University, (707) 664-2560 or robin.draper@sonoma.edu.

ANNOUNCING a challenge match!

A generous Sonoma County family has gifted the Green Music Center a $2.5 million match. Every dollar you donate will be matched one-to-one by an anonymous donor until we reach $2.5 million. The result will be $5 million to move the project closer to completion. Already more than $2 million has been donated. See the "Give Online" button ton the top-right of this page or to donate with a check or securities, to arrange for a tour, or to ask questions, please contact University Development at development.office@sonoma.edu or (707) 664-2712.

If your donation is toward naming INNOVATION HALL please indicate that in the "Add Your Comments Here" section of that form.

Monetary Gifts

Most people think of cash gifts first, but even cash includes several options. Instead of making a single payment, consider a multi-year pledge, which can increase your contribution (and tax benefits) by spreading payments over time.

You can multiply the impact of your gift if your employer offers a matching gift program. To find out if your company matches or multiplies employee gifts, contact your human resources office.

Securities

Stocks and bonds offer another attractive gift option. Gifts of appreciated securities not only can provide income tax deductions, but can help you save on capital gains taxes as well.

Real Estate

If you have real estate you are ready to sell, consider donating it to the Green Music Center Capital Campaign instead. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, gifts of real property provide an income tax charitable deduction and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation in value.

Memorial Gifts

Honor the memory of a family member or friend by sharing the joy of music through a memorial gift to the Green Music Center.

Estate Planning

By including the Green Music Center in your estate planning, you could not only benefit your community, but reap substantial benefits for yourself and your heirs as well. Possible benefits include savings on capital gains taxes, increased income, and income tax savings.

Contact Us

We invite you to help set the stage for a lifetime of music, arts and ideas by contacting Robin Draper or Kristin Berger in the Sonoma State Development Office, (707) 664-2712, to learn how you can be a part of the Green Music Center.