Bob Carter

Explore inspiring stories of how individuals made a significant impact through their generous acts of giving to The Salvation Army. These stories highlight the profound difference that philanthropy can make, motivating others to join in the mission of making the world a better place.

Who Knew What Corn Could Do?

As his corn grew tall in central Iowa this summer, Bob Carter* decided to help those most in need. Farmer Bob left a voice mail at the closest Salvation Army Corps asking a simple question: Would someone call him back as he was interested in making a gift?

Donor Relations Director Julie Facion gladly returned his call. She listened to what he wanted to do, asked questions, and determined that this was going to be a unique gift. She reached out to her colleague, Rich Garrett, Iowa Director of Gift & Estate Planning, and together they were able to work with Bob to bring his gift to fruition.

You see, Bob's idea was to create a Charitable Gift Annuity out of the stockpile of corn sitting in a grain silo behind his house.

Julie and Rich met with Bob twice at his home, accompanied by cats, doughnuts, coffee, and good conversations about his desire to help others.

Julie and Rich were able to help Bob transform his 18,401 bushels of USDA #2 Yellow Corn, worth $100,000, into a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). The CGA provides Bob an annual lifetime income payment, along with excellent tax benefits to use right away.

More importantly, though, Bob knows that in the future, he will leave a beautiful legacy, fulfilling his wish to fund much-needed, ongoing Christian programs at his local Salvation Army Corps.

* Name changed to protect donor's humility.