Samuel Mather Legacy Society

Iron ore magnate Samuel Mather, one of Cleveland’s great industrial leaders, founded the Cleveland Red Cross on May 2, 1905. Mr. Mather also played a pivotal role in the incorporation of the American National Red Cross in that same year. The Samuel Mather Legacy Society honors his vision and the many legacies he bestowed upon the Greater Cleveland community.

What Is the Samuel Mather Legacy Society?

The Red Cross honors every planned Gift Donor with membership in the Legacy Society. As a member, your gift can be recognized publicly, unless you prefer to give anonymously. The society also provides information and assistance to donors considering a planned gift.

For more information, e-mail Elizabeth Ganocy ganocye@redcross-cleveland.org or call 216.431.3216 so that we can assist you through every step of the process.

How Can I Make a Memorial Gift?

Any gift to the Red Cross, including a planned gift, can be made as a memorial to another individual. Through your bequest or other estate gift, you perpetuate the cherished memory of a loved on by enabling the Red Cross to Help Others.

How Can I Make a Planned Gift?

Gifts by will may be made directly to the American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter.

What Are My Gift Options and the Assets Used to Fund Them?

• Life Income Gifts

  A charitable gift annuity, The Red Cross Second Century Pooled Income Fun and charitable remainder trust offer life income to the donor while providing support for the Red Cross.

• Gifts of Real Estate

  When a donor makes an outright, irrevocable gift of real property to the American Red Cross, he or she may be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction equal to the full, fair market value of the property. A donor who gives this type of gift may also reduce capital gains tax.

• Creative Gifts Through Retirement Plans

  A donor who has accumulated funds in a company pension plan or IRA beyond his or her needs for a comfortable retirement may make a gift to the Red Cross from such an account. If this gift is made at death, it can lower estate taxes through charitable deduction it provides.

• Other Creative Gifts

  Other gifts may be made through life insurance gifts, saving bond gifts and gifts of other assets.

What Is the Next Step?

If you have already arranged for a bequest or other planned gift, we would like to honor your support. If you are still considering such a gift, let us know so we can help you and your advisors complete your gift in a way that benefits your estate and makes clear your intention to help the Red Cross.

When you join the Samuel Mather Legacy Society, you demonstrate your commitment to the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross and help ensure the long-term strength of the organization.