My name is Ian Johnson (he/him), Senior Director of Development at The Center, and I am excited to invite you to Planning Your Legacy — A Virtual Conversation on Wednesday, November 18, at 12pm. This free virtual panel will bring together estate planning experts to share practical guidance on estate planning, smart charitable giving strategies, and creating a legacy that reflects your values.
As we approach the end of the year, many of us are thinking about our finances, our loved ones, and the causes that matter most to us. Yet, an estimated 75% of people in the United States do not have an estate plan. Whether you are just beginning to think about your future or already have plans in place, understanding your options can help ensure your wishes are honored and the people and communities you care about are protected.
This conversation is important for your personal financial planning, and if you include an LGBTQ+ organization as part of your estate planning, it could make a difference in the future of our LGBTQ+ community by ensuring that the organizations and resources we depend on today will be here for generations to come. Ahead of our panel, we invite you to RSVP and submit your questions in advance so our panelists can address the topics and concerns that matter most to you and our community.
For LGBTQ+ people, planning for the future can carry particular significance. An estate plan gives us an opportunity to make our wishes clear, protect our given and chosen families, and direct our resources toward the values and communities that have shaped our lives. Planned gifts can also have a transformative impact on organizations like The Center, helping sustain essential programs, services, and advocacy for future generations of LGBTQ+ San Diegans.
To expand on this conversation, we are excited to bring together two professionals on the panel who will share their expertise and perspectives:
- Marci Bair (she/her), CFP, a financial planner
- Alexis Bastedo (she/her), an estate planning attorney
Together, they will help make estate planning more accessible by answering common questions, explaining important considerations in plain language, and sharing information about tax-smart giving strategies. We’ll also explore how planned gifts have already helped strengthen The Center and our community.
In addition to answering questions you submit in advance, our panelists will allow time for live audience questions during the conversation, and you do not need any prior experience with estate planning to participate.
Our intention is to offer a valuable resource to our entire community. Whether you are curious about creating your first will, exploring charitable giving options, or simply want to better understand how to plan for the future, this is an opportunity to learn from experts and consider what kind of legacy you want to leave.
I hope you will join us for this important conversation on November 18 at 12pm. We can all take meaningful steps toward building a future where our LGBTQ+ community continues to have the support, resources, and belonging we deserve for generations to come. I look forward to seeing you there!
In community,
Ian Johnson (he/him)
Senior Director of Development