MAKE A WILL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
August is National Make-A-Will Month, a time to think about the people, values, and causes that matter most to you and make sure they’re part of your plans for the future.
For some, creating a will is about making sure family and loved ones are cared for. For others, it’s an opportunity to support an organization or cause that has been part of their lives.
For Jeane Kropp and Jay Laurie, that organization is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County.
Their connection to BBBS stretches back 37 years. And it’s a connection that has continued across generations, through two states, and into a lasting relationship that is still part of their lives today.
A Relationship That Lasted
Jeane first became a Big in Ohio many years ago. (She and her Little are still in touch!)
Then, over 20 years ago, Jeane and Jay became a Big Couple together here in Madison. Their relationship with their Little Brother, Jared, has continued ever since, as has their close relationship with his family.
“Our Little will tell you we were annoying back then, and we proudly continue that tradition today,” they said.
For Jeane and Jay, being part of BBBS has never been simply about volunteering their time. It has been about building a relationship that has lasted for decades.
That’s why including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County in their will felt like a natural next step.
Their planned gift reflects something they have experienced firsthand: a relationship between a Big and Little can become part of a family’s story and continue long after the original match begins.
THINKING About the next generation
Jeane and Jay wanted their support to do more than address an immediate need. They wanted to help make sure young people in the future have the opportunity to experience the kind of relationship that has meant so much to them.
“It’s critical to us that our investment makes a permanent impact, not just a temporary fix,” they said.
They hope their gift will help Big Brothers Big Sisters create more matches and reach children who are still waiting for a mentor.
“Our gift will allow BBBS to create more matches, ideally clearing the waitlist of children hoping for a new buddy to hang around with. It’s the least we can do for the next generation.”
Their decision is one example of what planned giving can make possible: carrying something you value forward so that others can experience it, too
WHAT WILL YOU CARRY FORWARD?
You don’t have to know exactly what your legacy will look like to start thinking about it.
Creating or updating a will is an opportunity to make your wishes clear, provide for the people you love, and decide which causes you want to support in the future.
If Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is one of those causes, you can include BBBS in your will or trust. You can choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or another asset that is meaningful to you.
And a planned gift doesn’t have to change the way you give today.
If you’re considering creating or updating your estate plans, we encourage you to talk with your financial advisor or estate-planning professional about what makes the most sense for you and your family.
Already Included BBBS in Your Plans?
You may already have Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County in your will or estate plans. If so, we’d love to know about it.
By completing our Legacy Gift Statement of Intent, you can let us know about your planned gift so we can thank you, recognize your commitment, and welcome you into our Legacy Giving Society.
HELP US BUILD THE NEXT 60 YEARS
This year, we're celebrating 60 years of connecting young people with caring mentors.
For six decades, people across Dane County have chosen to give their time, resources, and support to make those relationships possible.
Now, we’re looking ahead.
As part of our 60th anniversary, we’re working to welcome 60 members into our Legacy Giving Society - 60 people who want to help make sure BBBS is here for the next 60 years and beyond.
Jeane and Jay have seen firsthand how long a mentoring relationship can last. Their story is a reminder that what we build today can become part of someone else’s future.