Sonja Hertenstein
Weddings, anniversaries, and a new baby's arrival are cause for celebration. And for some people, these milestone events are also an opportunity to rethink their estate plans.
Wedding bells lead to a planned gift opportunity
Sonja was planning her wedding in 2021 when she decided to revise her estate plan, including adding her husband-to-be, Scott, as a beneficiary on her individual retirement account (IRA). "My financial advisor mentioned that I could also leave a percentage of my IRA to a not-for-profit. I knew immediately what I wanted to do."
Sonja chose Dayton Children's, an organization near and dear to her heart.
Sonja began working here in 2019 and is the Director of Volunteer Resources. "The more I learn about Dayton Children's and get to know employees throughout the hospital, the more blessed I feel to be here," she says. "Everyone here is on a relentless pursuit of optimal health for the children within our reach.
"I fell in love with Dayton Children's on my first day working here because when I came in, there were two ponies in the lobby—right there in the lobby for the kids to touch and pet," Sonja says. "I thought, "This is the place to be."
Making a planned gift is a straightforward process. Sonja notified the Dayton Children's Foundation about her intentions and completed some paperwork. She is now part of the Annae Barney Gorman Society, which recognizes those who have made future gift commitments to Dayton Children's through their estate plans.
"Planned giving is such a great opportunity for people like me who maybe can't donate large sums of money during their lifetime," Sonja says. "It brings me a lot of joy to know that I can leave behind a legacy that will benefit the amazing work Dayton Children's does for kids every day."