The North Carolina Mason

November/December 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 By Dee Blake NC Masonic Foundation Western Region Director of Development Masons have a long and generous history of supporting children, seniors and fellow Masons across North Carolina. Many Masons would consider making larger gifts to our Masonic charities but need income from investments to fund their retire- ment years. What if you could leave a lasting legacy to support our Masonic charities while getting a guaranteed stream of income for life? A charitable gift annuity can be a very attractive option for indi- viduals or couples age 60 or older. An annuity is a contract that stipu- lates the charity will make annual payments for life to a specified person(s) in return for a cash gift to the charity. With a minimum gift of $10,000, a donor can make a gift to the NC Masonic charities and receive tax benefits for up to 19 years. At the donor's death, the principal would go to the Masonic charity chosen by the donor. Gift annuity rates are deter- mined by an independent, national organization and are updated regu- larly. ese rates usually exceed the return on many investments and, unlike other investments, the rate is guaranteed for life once you sign the agreement – regardless of economic downturns. A charitable gift annuity is a secure stream of income that can serve as your legacy of service to the Craft. For more information on gift annuities or other planned gifts to benefit our Masonic chari- ties, please contact your regional Foundation representatives: Dee Blake, Western Region Director of Development, 919-395-0959, dblake@mfnc.org Chris Richardson, Eastern Region Director of Development, 919-690-5996, cricharson@mfnc. org Be on the lookout in 2018 for the new NC Masonic Founda- tion Legacy Society, recognizing brethren for their gifts to the future of the Craft. Gi annuities have lasting benefits for both giver, Masonic charities 62 4.5%, single $3,156 $450 $306 62 4.0%, couple $2,546 $400 $269 75 5.8%, single $4,577 $580 $437 75 4.8%, couple $3,464 $480 $349 AGE ANNUITY RATE AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 INITIAL TAX DEDUCTION ANNUAL PAYMENT TO YOU TAX FREE PORTION OF ANNUAL PAYMENT Here is an example of current rates of return on a $10,000 gift annuity: replacement of the old pool and construction of a new poolhouse at MHCO. Carlsen Subaru/Charlie Burton also presented a $50,000 donation for the pool. Hungry attendees lined up to buy wristbands for the all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch, and they tested every offering there was – at least once. Every patron had their own favorites, but the judges' decision made it official: Keller Memorial #657 was named grand champion, followed by Union #618 in second place and Oak Grove #750 in third. By division, winners were: Pork: 1st, Union #618; 2nd, Keller Memorial #657; 3rd, Wayne County Shrine Club; and Chicken: 1st, Keller Memorial #657; 2nd, Hillbilly Hog Hustlers; 3rd, Oak Grove #750. Family and friends of Terrie Preslar gathered on campus Saturday afternoon for a surprise dedication of a new basketball court built in her honor. Terrie was the last one to know about the fundraising effort led by her husband, Dewey Preslar, to build the court to honor the heralded former point guard at North Stanly High School. Her husband said the court symbolizes her longstanding dedication to the children's home and recognizes Terrie as "a shining light for Masonry and children everywhere." Saturday ended with an alumni roast of Tina Gilreath, MHCO's financial development & commu- nications coordinator and a former "Oxford Orphan" herself. e winner of the beautiful Masonic quilt embroidered by Sabrina Cashion and quilted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Henderson Ward Relief Society was announced: Debbie Rice, wife of Past Grand Master Dan Rice claimed the winning ticket. e weekend rounded out with a Sunday morning worship service in the Chapel, followed by lunch under the oaks. HOMECOMING from page 6 It's a special Homecoming Festival for the Preslar family. MHCO board Chair Dewey Preslar gathers family and friends to surprise his wife, Terrie Dewey Preslar, with a basketball court given to the kids and named in her honor.

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