Pat Eckart and her husband, Bob, made a gift that will support nursing students for years to come.
Pat Eckart had a challenging but rewarding education as part of Barnes Hospital School of Nursing's first graduating class in 1958, a legacy school of Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College.
"I would not trade my education for anything in the world," Pat says. "I feel very grateful to have been a nurse. It teaches you to deal with all walks of life."
This gratitude led Pat and her husband, Bob, to make a planned gift to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital to benefit Goldfarb's scholarship program, which helps other students earn the same top-notch nursing education.
A Gift That Pays Dividends
When a financial advisor gave a presentation at their church about the benefits of a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), Pat and Bob saw the perfect opportunity to give back—while still reaping financial benefits.
A CRUT pays you a variable amount each year based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust. When the trust terminates, the remaining assets go to the donor's favorite charities.
Pat and Bob especially appreciated the flexibility of the agreement and the ability to receive income now and make an impact after their lifetimes.
"It all comes down to the tax benefits for the beneficiaries," Bob says. "It made sense for us."
Pat hopes their gift will help offset the cost of education. "I hope the students today get as much enjoyment out of their nursing career as I did mine, because it's a fulfilling career. It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun."