Barbara Stakk and Robert Palsha

Barbara Stakk and Robert Palsha's thoughtfulness will make a lasting impact on our programs and communities.

At Westminster Suncoast, the Wall of Honor displays photographs of residents who served in the military, including Barbara Stakk and Robert Palsha. Barbara, a nurse, served in the Army Reserves and then as an active duty nurse during Desert Storm. Robert, a combat soldier, completed tours in Korea, Laos and Vietnam. By the time he retired from the service after 26 years, he had received a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars.

The military legacy of "leave no man behind" resonates for the couple, who have made major gifts in support of the Benevolent Assistance Program at Westminster Suncoast. Through this program, financially vulnerable residents receive the support they need in a confidential manner designed to protect their dignity and self-respect.

"Barbara and Robert's lifelong devotion to serving their fellow man is exemplary," says Gail Holesha, former Development Director at Westminster Suncoast. "From Barbara's career as an Army nurse to Robert's leadership as a combat soldier during numerous tours of duty, and now, right here at Westminster Suncoast through their generous support of the Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation."

Barbara's generosity is also evident in the gift she made to fund a cardio-trainer elliptical for the fitness center in 2017. Both Barbara and Robert enjoy fitness; Robert ran marathons, while Barbara likes to walk and swim.

Barbara and Robert's names appear not only on the Wall of Honor, but also on the Suncoast Memorial Tree in recognition of their significant contributions to the Foundation. Their commitment to serving others makes the campus a better place for all.

Give Back to Those in Need

Make a difference in the lives of residents by supporting Westminster Communities of Florida (WRCF). Contact Hyacinth L. Mayberry at 407-839-5050 ext. 227 or hmayberry@wservices.org to learn more about the Benevolent Assistance Program or other ways you can help.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Westminster Communities of Florida a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Westminster Communites of Florida [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to WRCF or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to WRCF as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to WRCF as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and WRCF where you agree to make a gift to WRCF and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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