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"WITHOUT OUR TRADITIONS, OUR LIVES WOULD BE AS SHAKY AS...
...AS A FIDDLER ON THE ROOF!"
- Tevye
Looking Toward Our Second Century
Part of the reason The Muny has been around for nearly a century is that fiscal responsibility is equally as important to us as presenting the very best musical theatre possible. We realize that the rising costs of producing shows could soon get in the way of other important goals... keeping tickets reasonably priced and offering free admission each night to 1,500 audience members in the Free Seats. To balance our artistic standards with our desire to remain fiscally healthy, we have established The Muny Endowment. We hope you will make an investment in The Muny's future with a gift to The Muny Endowment.
 Bequests & Charitable Planned Gifts
Remembering The Muny in your estate plan or through a beneficiary designation is an especially easy way to become a part of Muny history even if you do not have the ability to make a cash gift today. Charitable Remainder Trusts using real estate or appreciated stock can leave a legacy for The Muny as well as provide you with income today.
To learn more about your options when considering an endowment gift, please contact Christine Ivcich, Director of Civic Affairs and Development at The Muny by calling (314) 361-1900 x327.
Options For GivingBequest - Retirement Plan Assets
No minimum Contribution
Using the "right" asset for a charitable bequest can have favorable tax advantages for your family by preserving the value of your bequests to them. A simple beneficiary designation form is all you need to complete an IRA gift to The Muny and:
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reduce or eliminate a potential income tax burden to your heirs
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receive an estate tax deduction for the value of your IRA
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guarantee that your heirs pay no income or capital gains tax on the untaxed portion of your accumulated retirement plan
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Charitable Gift Annuities
Suggested Minimum Contribution: $5,000
A Charitable Gift Annuity is a great way to make a gift to The Muny of a certificate of deposit or cash and in return you enjoy:
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income for life
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generous fixed rate of return based on your age or your spouse's age
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special tax benefits, including a charitable income tax deduction, avoiding capital gains tax, and reduced estate taxes
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5.7% annuity
($570/yr for life)
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Voices From The Free Seats
The story of the Catherine Frances Juergens Fund of The Muny Endowment
 In the 1940's a young boy named David Juergens lived in St. Louis with his mother who had been widowed at age 35. "Mother was left financially destitute following my father's death and for a number of years we lived modestly... we managed to do without a telephone, daily newspaper and in one instance, running water." says David. He recalls that, "Mother taught me early in life that a person does not have to spend money in order to survive and enjoy life." Riding streetcars, free band concerts, a slice of cold watermelon for just 25 cents, all these memories blend with great shows in Forest Park. "The Muny had free seats... we gladly accepted their generous offer to attend the opera gratis. Attending The Muny was such a special adventure for me as a child and it helped enrich our lives." David's favorite shows include Brigadoon and The Student Prince.
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"We never really left The Muny, as pleasant memories remain with me to this day. I know my mother never forgot The Muny and would be very pleased to know that we are now able to make a contribution that should help insure that others like ourselves will enjoy St. Louis' "opera in the park" for many years to come.
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- David Juergens
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Charitable Remainder Trust
Suggested Minimum Contribution: $25,000
A Charitable Remainder Trust may be right for you if you would like to continue to receive income from an appreciated asset you would like to sell, such as:
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stock
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a second home
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farm property
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an interest in a small business
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Charitable remainder trusts allow you to make a gift to The Muny, but choose the income rate you want, receive a charitable income tax deduction, avoid capital gains tax, and reduce your estate taxes.
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6.5% Charitable Trust
($1,625/yr for life)
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 Contact Us
For additional information on endowment gifts and planned giving, please contact:
Christine Ivcich
Director of Civic Affairs and Development
The Muny, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 361-1900 x327
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