David and MaryJo have long been connected to Dogs for Better Lives (DBL), a bond that began in 1992 when David received his first Hearing Assistance Dog, Chelsea. As they prepared to start a family, MaryJo sought an extra set of “ears” to help with their newborn, and Chelsea became an invaluable part of their lives.
David with Hearing Assistance Dog Chelsea at work in 1992
“Chelsea was an enormous blessing to our family,” MaryJo fondly recalls. For over 14 years, Chelsea provided David with crucial sound alerts and companionship, a relationship that deeply impacted their family.
After Chelsea passed in 2006, David and MaryJo held onto their cherished memories, always intending to visit DBL’s training campus in Central Point, Oregon, to reconnect with the organization that had meant so much to them.
This past August, they finally were able to make the visit, and it reignited their passion for DBL’s mission. “We saw that we could bless others as we had been blessed,” says MaryJo. Inspired to give back, they decided to contribute through their newly established Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
David and MaryJo had opened a DAF after receiving advice from their financial advisor.
“Our advisor recommended setting up a DAF to facilitate both recurring and one-time donations. We appreciate the ease of giving, especially when we want to give a larger gift,” they shared.
The DAF, which allows donors to contribute funds and receive an immediate tax deduction while allowing the donated assets to grow tax-free, made it easier for them to support causes they care about, like DBL.
One of the key benefits of a DAF, they explained, is the flexibility. “We don’t have to sell or transfer securities; that’s already been done to establish the DAF. We just have to say how much and to which qualified organization to send the funds.”
David and MaryJo
For David and MaryJo, this ease of use, combined with the knowledge that their contributions will go directly to support DBL’s life-changing programs, makes the DAF an ideal tool for their charitable giving.
They are particularly motivated by the idea of helping DBL grow its ability to place more service dogs with individuals in need.
“We hope additional funding means DBL will be able to raise and train more Service Dogs to fulfill the mission of the organization, enhancing human lives and maintaining a lifelong commitment to all the dogs DBL rescues or breeds.”
Knowing that 100% of their donation will go toward DBL’s programs rather than overhead is also important to the couple. “We like to give when we know our contributions will be used more for programs than overhead. We see that attribute as a sign of health of any organization, but especially a tax-exempt organization,” David explains. Thanks to a long-standing endowment, 100% of every dollar goes directly towards programmatic services at DBL.
When asked if DBL could use their DAF gift to support a future Facility Dog placement with Josephine County Children’s Advocacy Center, MaryJo and David were thrilled. “Of course! We give not always knowing where money might be needed, so please count us in. It is fun and rewarding to be part of something bigger than just us,” said Mary Jo.
David with Hearing Assistance Dog Chelsea
To those considering supporting DBL, whether through a DAF or other means, David and MaryJo offer heartfelt advice.
“Check out the organization and see how well DBL is run. Take a tour of their facilities like we did, and see the good things they are set up to do. Seeing is believing!”
David and MaryJo’s journey with DBL has come full circle, from receiving the gift of a Hearing Assistance Dog decades ago to now supporting the organization’s future through their DAF. Their generosity will help ensure that DBL continues to make a profound difference in the lives of others, just as it did for them so many years ago.
Do you have a donor advised fund? Gifts from your DAF can help keep the mission of Dogs for Better Lives going strong. Visit https://dogsforbetterlives.org/donate-daf to learn more or make a gift.
