Legacy Planning with the Juliette Gordon Low Society
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast welcomed members of the Juliette Gordon Low Society (JGLS), along with many others, to a special educational event and ceremony held at A Place for Girls in Chesapeake on February 9. The JGLS is group of donors committed to sharing their legacy with the next generation by placing GSCCC in their will or trust, or through other financial support that involves a legacy gift.
Girl Scout alum and attorney Melissa Moser donated her time to educate attendees. Melissa’s presentation gave an overview of the estate planning process, such as having a will and/or trust, a power of attorney, including the various types, a healthcare directive and the importance of managing one’s assets, debts, and medical care after you die or become incapacitated.
“According to current estimations, baby boomers are expected to leave behind trillions of dollars in their estates in the coming years,” Melissa said. “This phenomenon is often referred to as ‘The Great Wealth Transfer,’ with estimates suggesting they could pass on around $84 trillion in assets to younger generations by 2045.”
GSCCC Philanthropy Director Sally Swanson and attorney Melissa Moser
Attendees got an in-depth overview of the estate planning process
GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller with Gina and Tom Duffy and their daughter
For many in the room who had not started the process of estate planning or had not updated wills and documents for more than five years, the information shared was appreciated and was a reminder to put it on their “to do” list.
“Some people think they don’t need to invest time into estate planning because it’s only for the wealthy, but that’s not true,” Melissa stressed. “If you own any assets at all — a home, a car, savings or retirement accounts, for example — or you have loved ones who depend on you, including pets, you need a plan. And estate planning can help reduce the burden on your loved ones and avoid disagreements with other inheritors.”
The day also included welcoming new members to the JGLS. Gina and Tom Duffy are GSCCC volunteers who moved to Virginia two years ago to be closer to their daughters.
“Girl Scouts has been so important in my life,” Gina said, who started her Girl Scout journey more than 25 years ago in New Jersey. “I wasn’t a Girl Scout growing up, but I made sure all my daughters were and that’s how I became so involved as a volunteer. It is so very important in girls’ lives. They learn so much and take away so much from Girl Scouting. Our family has countless memories and we hope to continue making memories as my granddaughter becomes old enough to become a Girl Scout Daisy.”
Society members JoAn Berry, Laura Morgan, and Lorraine Lees took part in a candle-lighting ceremony which closed with GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller leading everyone in forming a friendship circle, passing the friendship squeeze and then all “turning inside out.” (See video and explanation below.)
“The candles represent beacons of appreciation for those who preceded us, the engagement of today’s members who continue the mission, and the powerful visionaries who will make the world a better place for generations to come,” Laura said.
Interested in joining GSCCC’s Juliette Gordon Low Society? Visit gsccc.org/legacy to learn more.
The Friendship Circle
In a Girl Scout Friendship Circle, turning inside out is a closing ceremony where the girls raise their arms and turn the circle upside down. This happens after the friendship squeeze is passed around the circle. It is a tradition that represents the chain of friendship between Girl Scouts around the world.
- The girls form a circle and cross their right arms over their left.
- They hold hands with the people on either side.
- The leader starts the friendship squeeze by gently squeezing the hand of the girl next to them.
- The squeeze is passed around the circle until it returns to the leader.
- The leader says, “Goodnight, Girl Scouts.”
- The girls raise their arms over their heads.
- The girls turn the circle inside out.
