Coming Together in the Face of Hurricane Florence

Annikki Hinds and her daughter

Annikki Hinds with her daughter, Jhe'anique.

September 10th marked our 35th birthday, but instead of toasts and cake, we were battening down the hatches, preparing for Hurricane Florence. We may have had to cancel the celebration, but something marvelous happened here. People came together. With the help of our wonderful Board of Directors, staff and community at large, we were able to stay open for families of critically ill children being treated at MUSC Children's Hospital. Our families came together to lend a helping hand, preparing meals, cleaning up and supporting each other.

One of our moms, Annikki Hinds, was far from home with no family or friends around. She found comfort in our "home away from home" while her daughter, Jhe'anique, was being treated at the Children's Hospital.

"I am from Jamaica, and this summer when I was seven months pregnant, I traveled to Myrtle Beach for my aunt's funeral. While there, my water broke and I was rushed to the Grand Strand Hospital to deliver Jhe'anique. At 2 pounds 7.6 ounces, my little girl was born with PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), and needed heart surgery. Upon arrival at MUSC's Children's Hospital for my baby's surgery, I was told about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, and was immediately welcomed. RMHC Charleston is one of the most amazing places that anyone could hope for, especially when going through a situation like mine. The place is comforting, secure and people-friendly.

"When Florence came to visit, the state was ordered to evacuate and I panicked. I couldn't leave my baby. And then I got the call: RMHC Charleston was staying open during the hurricane, but helping hands would be needed. For me, I was super excited, and every day I was able to not only do my visits to the hospital but also help out at the House in the evenings," Annikki said.

"When we head home, I will really miss this House. There is no place like this Home, and the hospitality is at its best. Trust me when I say that you will never be alone in this House. I thank everyone at RMHC Charleston for being my support apart from my family; this is a journey I will never forget."

Annikki returned to Jamaica with her daughter, Jhe'anique, after spending 46 nights with us. Thank you for your continuing support for The House that Love Built®. We can't do it without you.

Gratefully,
Alix Tew

P.S. Learn how you can support the children and families we serve at the House, like Annikki and her daughter. Contact me at alix@rmhcharleston.org or 843-723-7957 Ext. 303 to learn more.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston 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

"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and 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 RMHC Charleston 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 RMHC Charleston 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 RMHC Charleston 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 RMHC Charleston where you agree to make a gift to RMHC Charleston 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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