One of the most impactful ways a loyal donor can enrich the lives of others is through a planned gift. Tilly Wilhoite, a longtime supporter of UCAN, intends to contribute to our youth and families for generations to come through a planned gift. Tilly learned about UCAN from her church, St. Pauls, of which she is a longtime member. UCAN partners with St. Pauls to host their annual Polar Peace March fundraiser and advocacy event that supports UCAN’s program. 
“I wanted to continue to give, and had the ability to give, so I began to focus on organizations that impact a change in the culture of violence in Chicago communities; to interrupt that cycle of violence, to make sure you have more tools in the toolbox than to strike out,” she says.
“My kids only need so much,” she laughs. “After I felt that they were taken care of in an appropriate way, I decided everything beyond a certain amount would go towards organizations. After working in Chicago Public Schools for 20 years, seeing the environment of violence, brings me around to supporting the things that UCAN does in terms of violence interruption and violence prevention.”
As Tilly puts it, “As much as it’s an unplanned gift (in terms of budgets), it’s a planned bonus. It can be for an immediate need or a long-term need. It’s not an impact in terms of budgeting today, but a bonus down the road.”
Tilly has put her trust into UCAN after years of following our work. She knows her gift will continue to change lives and impact youth for years to come. “I trust UCAN to use my money wisely, to use it as it is best needed.”
For more information on Planned Giving, visit our site UCANlegacy.org or contact Tamara Reed Tran at Tamara.Reed-Tran@UCANchicago.org.