(Lexington, KY – July 31, 2024) – August typically signifies the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year —a shift from vacation mode to a sense of obligation. August is also National Make-a-Will Month, a month-long celebration encouraging every American to plan for their future by creating a will.
While every American needs a will, nearly 70% confirm that they do not have an updated legal will, despite it being an essential tool to protect the people and causes they love most. National Make-A-Will Month is an opportunity to help dispel myths and explain the importance of creating a will.
One might believe that only wealthier families need a will but that is not the case.
Having a will is important for every family, regardless of how much money they have or make. Every adult – regardless of age – should take the time to create a will to ensure that any final wishes are executed in the way desired. Creating a will in August can offer peace of mind and present an opportunity to plan or make a difference for the people and causes one loves most.
Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA, noted that “In truth, life can change quickly. It is important to take stock of everything and make plans for loved ones. And why not start now? … We understand that getting a will isn’t the most pleasant of tasks, and consequently, too few people do it.” According to LegalZoom, the biggest reason for not creating a will is that Americans just never got around to it.
Brooke USA (EIN# 33-1173163) is encouraging friends and supporters to plan and organize their financial affairs throughout the month of August. To help jumpstart the process, Brooke USA recommends FreeWill (www.FreeWill.com) as a resource that helps make the experience less complicated. FreeWill is a secure, online tool that helps people through the will preparation process, step by step. If a simple estate, just print the will to be signed and witnessed. If a more complex estate, the same tools help document a person’s wishes to present to a qualified attorney who will finalize all plans. If there is already a will in place, Make-A-Will Month is the perfect time to examine it and make sure it is up to date.
As wills are prepared, individuals should consider whether to include a charitable organization such as Brooke USA in their will and/or as beneficiary of their accounts. As with any beneficiary, it does not have to be an all or nothing scenario. One can decide to leave any percentage of the estate to a charity or even to multiple charities. There are several ways to give to Brooke USA and any other charity in a will, including stocks, cash, and tangible assets.
“A will is a powerful tool that reflects one’s values, looks after the well-being of family and friends, and honors the causes that have been important in one’s life,” stated Dulin. “With your legacy gift, Brooke USA will continue to grow, impact lasting change, and meet the needs of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them in vulnerable communities for many years to come.” In sum, a will is a gift that builds on an individual’s legacy and ripples across the globe and future generations.
Without a doubt, a will is one of the most personal and important financial documents in a person’s life. Without a legitimate will, there is no assurance that a person’s affairs and assets will be handled properly. Many Brooke USA supporters are making the choice to be prepared and have a will.
For questions or further conversation, contact Emily Dulin, Brooke USA’s CEO, at Emily.Dulin@BrookeUSA.org. Making a charitable gift in a will to Brooke USA ensures that an individual’s legacy carries on one’s personal values and commitment to alleviating the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide.
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About Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA): The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare, and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. We are committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education, and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare. We accomplish this by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.
Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality, and guaranteeing life on land resilience. We want to see healthy, happy people and equines that work in partnership to achieve sustainable local economies.
Media Contact:
Emily Dulin
305-505-6170
Emily.Dulin@BrookeUSA.org
Kendall Bierer
561-309-9873
Kendall.Bierer@BrookeUSA.org