Helping The Salvation Army through a Charitable Gift Annuity made perfect sense to Ray and Ellen Ryder of Blair, Nebraska.
"The Salvation Army feeds families, provides shelter to abused women, programs for alcohol and drug abuse, disaster aid – the list goes on and on" said Ellen, who along with her husband Ray, has worked as a volunteer for The Salvation Army. "I was taught as a child to be responsible and to help others."
And that's just what she is doing thanks to the deferred gift she set up with the help of The Salvation Army's Planned Giving Associate.
The Charitable Gift Annuity is a win-win situation for The Salvation Army and Ellen.
"The Gift Annuity gives me a guaranteed income for life, and the money can be deposited directly into my checking account," she said. "What a great way to save on my taxes each year." In return, The Salvation Army will receive the remaining balance of the annuity after payments have ceased.
Growing up the oldest of six children in Omaha, Ellen developed a keen sense of responsibility at an early age. "My younger brother was born sickly and premature," she said. "My job was to care for the next oldest (her then 10-month-old brother) and the other four children. Mom took care of the newborn, and I lent a hand with the cooking and feeding."
Money was tight for her family in the early 1930s, Ellen said. Her father lost his job at the local Ford plant.
"I remember Dad walking to The Salvation Army to ask if any jobs were available," Ellen recalled. "The Salvation Army asked Dad if he could flip hamburgers. He said 'You bet.' Dad received two streetcar tokens to the White Castle on 13th and Dodge Streets. Each night Mom would wash and iron the only white shirt he owned, so he could look clean and neat the next day flipping hamburgers," Ellen said. "My parents spoke often about how The Salvation Army helped our family during such a difficult time."
Ellen worked in high school babysitting for 35 cents an hour and then worked full time through college for the Corp of Engineers. Through a mutual friend, she met her husband, Ray. The two married and eventually started their own Accounting business in Blair. The business thrived, and so did the couple. They bought a farm outside of town to build a home and raise cattle. "God blessed us greatly." recalled Ellen.
After working side by side for more than 30 years, Ellen and Ray sold their business in Blair. Then tragedy struck just before Christmas in 1994. Ray collapsed with a massive stroke during the day, totally paralyzed on the right side. Ray also lost his ability to speak. During the hospital stay, a singing group from The Salvation Army came caroling through the hallway singing Silent Night. Ray started singing along with them. At that moment, Ellen felt a glimmer of hope that Ray would recover.
Ray and Ellen still live on their beautiful acreage. Ellen stays active through her volunteer work and swimming three times a week. Ray watches TV and visits with friends who stop by. Ellen said they have been forever thankful for the work of The Salvation Army in their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Are you interested in charitable gift agreements that provide lifetime income? Please call our Planned Giving Department at 1-800-274-0628, or (402) 898-5912. Also, please visit us on the internet at salarmygiving.giftlegacy.com