There is a path that leads into a sun-bathed meadow, along the bank of a cool river, into the verdant hills or through a door into a cozy cottage. In the painting, there is always a path. The artist cannot depict what waits at the end. I would happily wander forever and never reach my earthly destination, but I know someday I will lay my possessions down. Steve and I don’t have much, but when we leave this earth we will leave all we have gained here — tangible and intangible — to Fellow Mortals, because we desire that our leaving won’t mean the end of a place that’s come to mean so much to so many, a place where people of whatever means can bring an injured or orphaned wild thing and know it will be given a real second chance.
Helen Olson was a good friend to Fellow Mortals for many years — she supported our work financially and philosophically throughout her life and today, because of a gift planned before her passing, she continues to support Fellow Mortals’ work — making care possible for animals brought to us by people who cannot themselves afford to donate.
Have you considered including Fellow Mortals in your will? You can continue to make a difference for injured and orphaned wildlife — and the people who care about them — as part of your legacy to future generations.
A donation made through a bequest in your will or trust lets you stay in control of your assets while knowing that you will continue to help the wild ones in the future, and your bequest is revocable, so you can change it at any time.
It is always best to enlist the services of a qualified professional when drafting or updating your will. Here is sample bequest language you can take to your attorney:
“I give, devise and bequeath [insert amount of gift, percentage of estate or residuary of estate]
to Fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital, Inc., Tax ID No. 39-1694862, located at W4632 Palmer Road, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147.”
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We hope you’ll tell us when you have named Fellow Mortals in your will. We would very much like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity. If you prefer to remain anonymous, your gift will be kept completely confidential. But at the same time, recognition of your gift can encourage others to do the same. Whatever the case, we will honor your wishes, because we value your support.
Please call us at (262) 248-5055 for more information.
