It's no secret that the future of the Michigan
Theater depends upon the community's goodwill.
As a nationally registered historic landmark and
long-standing community treasure, the Michigan
must sustain its legacy as a downtown nexus for arts
and entertainment for generations to come.
We invite you to create your own legacy by
becoming a member of the Michigan Theater Legacy
Society with a provision in your will or estate plans.
Gifts like these literally lay the foundation for future
generations of Michigan Theater lovers, creating a
permanent remembrance for each planned-gift donor.
When you join the Legacy Society, you demonstrate
your commitment to sustaining a key community and
nationally important cultural asset.
Testimonials
Susan Pollay, Ann Arbor DDA Executive Director, and Bruce Watkins, U of M professor
OFFICE ROMANCE LEADS TO THEATER COMMITMENT
"Like so many other community residents, the Michigan Theater has always meant a great deal to me. In many ways it represents the very heart of our community, and it's been intertwined with my entire twenty-five-year existence in Ann Arbor.
In the fall of 1983 I had a gloriously romantic date with my office mate Bruce at this spectacular old movie house. I don't remember what event we attended, but we must have had a great time because here we are a quarter century later, happily married and still coming to the Michigan Theater. We've been proud annual donors for years, but when we are no longer here, we'd like to do our part to ensure that this 'Shrine to Art' continues to serve our community as the jewel it is today. And because the Theater means so much to us, Bruce and I are planning to remember the Michigan Theater with a bequest in our estate plans."
Isabelle Carduner, Michigan Theater Member and
Volunteer Usher
THEATER VOLUNTEER CONTINUES COMMUNITY PLEDGE
"A number of years ago, when writing my will, I decided to leave my estate to local charities or organizations that I cared about. Upon retiring after 31 years of teaching high school, I started ushering at the Michigan Theater. I had been a member for a number of years but didn't feel I had the time to usher before my retirement. I have found it to be an activity I enjoy tremendously. I love the wide variety of events presented - the A2SO concerts, the Not Just For Kids series, the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the local productions, the Live Nation concerts, etc. It has also been great fun getting to know some of the ushers who volunteer at these many events.
I was especially impressed by the quality of the staff and their dedication to making the Michigan Theater an exciting and nationally recognized venue. Best of all are the many types of movies shown, especially foreign and independent. I feel very fortunate to live in a town with such a unique jewel. I chose to include The Michigan Theater in my will so that the wonderful staff can continue to provide us with unique and varied cultural opportunities."
Giving Options
BEQUESTS THROUGH YOUR WILL OR TRUST
A charitable bequest is one of the easiest
ways to make a lasting gift to the Michigan
Theater. Charitable bequests can dramatically
reduce estate and inheritance taxes, and they
can be for a specific amount, a percentage of
your estate, or whatever may remain after all
other bequests are satisfied.
GIFTS OF RETIREMENT-PLAN
BENEFITS
Retirement-plan benefits left to children,
grandchildren, and other beneficiaries are
subject to both income tax and estate tax.
Donating retirement benefits will allow you to
make a significant gift and use 100% of your
money for the benefit of the Theater.
GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
By designating a charity as the
beneficiary, some donors give life insurance as
a gift when they find that they no longer need
the coverage. Life insurance gifts enable donors
to make a much larger gift than they thought
possible, and in most cases a gift of insurance
does not significantly reduce their current
stream of income.
These are just a few of the options for
making a planned gift. Your lawyer or tax
advisor can assist you in deciding which giving
option is the most appropriate for your
circumstances and wishes. When designating
the Michigan Theater as the beneficiary of any
type of gift, please use our official title and
address:
THE MICHIGAN THEATER FOUNDATION, INC.,
603 E. Liberty St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
