High School Sweethearts Give Back

Paul and Kathleen Matecki smiling

Paul and Kathleen Matecki have made the decision to include St. Louis University High School in their estate in order to leave a lasting legacy at his alma mater.

Paul '74 and Kathleen Matecki have both been lucky enough to live the SLUH experience having met on a blind date when they were juniors. Now, over 40 years later they want to insure others have the same wonderful opportunities they had. "When we were fortunate enough to begin giving, the decision was easy. The values instilled in us at SLUH were and still are the driving force in our lives."

They both have fond memories of attending SLUH events together and talking with their favorite teachers about their dreams. Kathleen was on the SLUH campus so often that she even has her own favorite SLUH teacher: Mr. Dick Keefe. Paul remembers his football coaches, Paul Martel, Ebbie Dunn and Paul Owens and the values they instilled. "They taught us dedication and teamwork. None of us were superstars, but as a team we were outstanding."

Jesuit education has been an important part of their lives and has had a definite impact on their careers. Kathleen graduated from St. Louis University with degrees in social work and felt the importance of the motto, " Men for Others." Paul knows that the rigors of a SLUH education prepared him for Grinnell College and St. Louis University Law School.

Paul is General Counsel for Raymond James Financial, a financial services firm. Paul notes, "Estate planning is a critical element in managing your financial affairs in this complex and constantly changing world. Having seen the lifelong impact that even a small donation can have on a student made the decision to direct some of our estate to SLUH a no-brainer." Kathleen recalls making the decision to create an estate plan that included SLUH when they were 40 years old. Clearly the Mateckis have a long history of generous support for the boys at SLUH.

A perfect example is the tradition they started many years ago of paying for a student to attend prom. "The thank you letters we receive are wonderful and so heartfelt. The boys always express the importance of the Jesuit teachings and their call to God. Even more rewarding is that some of the young men we helped are following our tradition."

By including a planned gift to St. Louis University High School in your estate, you can further the Jesuit education of young men and make an impact that will last a lifetime. Contact Melissa Jones, CFRE at mjones@sluh.org or 314-269-2186 to learn more about including SLUH in your will or other ways to give.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to St. Louis University High School a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

UNRESTRICTED USE AND PURPOSE
"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to St. Louis University High School [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

RESTRICTED USE AND PURPOSE
"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to St. Louis University High School [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for [scholarship name or another specific purpose]."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to SLUH or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to SLUH as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to SLUH as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and SLUH where you agree to make a gift to SLUH and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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