Category Archives: Family Legacy

Save your Platform

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In my last blog I wrote I was intrigued by the phrase, “We can Build It” that was prevalent during the Republican National Convention. So, to give equal inspirational opportunity to the Democrats, I cannot help but comment on what a TV commentator said during a report on the DNC’s party platform debacle. He correctly reported that party platforms developed at conventions are nowadays ignored and/or forgotten..

Reflecting on the seeming insignificance of the party platform through  the eyes of my responsibilities here at Stewardship Foundation, I was concerned whether our investors know how seriously we take the principles in which we believe! As the Executive Director of the Stewardship Foundation I wondered as I listened to the subsequent discussion, isn’t the platform an important structure upon which to build the party’s argument for election?  Doesn’t the platform express the vision and mission of the party?  And, isn’t the platform the outline of ideas expressing the party’s intent and action plan? Isn’t it what the Democrats ‘say’ that they believe?

While it is not my intent to contrast the principles of the two parties, I am compelled to notice that the RNC coverage focused on what they can build, whereas the TV coverage of the DNC was more about what they can disavow, dismantle, or ignore.  As the Executive Director of the Stewardship Foundation I want you to know that we encourage you to build your family legacy and express your values, mission, and vision.  We also encourage you to build your “platform”, which should support your values and vision.  Know that the platform that you entrust to the SF will not be ignored or forgotten, but rather it will be foundational in the investments and donations that we make on your behalf for generations to come.

We Can Build It

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Hands lifting a globeListening to the string of speeches during the Republican National Convention, what caught my attention was the frequent use of the phrase “We Built It” – a fairly obvious emphasis of the perceived differences between Republicans and Democrats. However, being who I am, instead of meditating on contrasting policies and political positions, I thought of you. When I see or hear the phrase “we built it,” I think of our investors and donors. Why?

Indeed you have built many important “its” in your lifetime. You built families, businesses, values, and your legacy. Every donor has a story not just about what was “built,” but also about the continual restoration, rebuilding, and remodeling that was critical to build, grow and safeguard your important “it” in its present state. So ask yourself, whom would you entrust to build up your family? Who do you trust to guide and manage your business? Who must develop your personal and family values and safeguard your legacy?
No one will work as hard or as passionately to protect and defend what you have built in your lifetime.

At the Stewardship Foundation, we understand your passion and that is why we continue to partner with you as you continue to build the legacy you and your family deserve. As always, never hesitate to contact us at the Stewardship Foundation so we can help you “Build It.”

Gold Medal Anticipation

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The opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics is only hours away. Those on the planning committee have been preparing the host city of London over the past four years. If you have read or seen interviews of those in charge you get the sense that the city is ready – ready to host the world.

Olympic SwimmerWe will be treated to a magnificent display of talent and pageantry. While watching the extravaganza we may fail to appreciate all the hard work that led up to this moment. The performers want you to enjoy their efforts without analyzing or adding up the hours spent by the performers. However, they know and we know their proficiency was developed and executed over time.

After the opening ceremonies we eagerly await the competitions. We will cheer for our home athletes and we will marvel at their skill. We will be treated to many stories that will trace the journey of these athletes and their families. A common theme that will emerge is that many, many hours of practice and preparation were necessary to give these athletes the opportunity to compete for the gold medal. Parents and families sacrificed much to assist their athletes in their quest for gold. No doubt we too will shed some tears of joy when our athletes successfully achieve the medal for which they dreamed. They and their families may never be able to fully express their feelings while standing on that podium. All they might be able to appreciate, as they gaze out from the podium, is that the journey is worth it. They will not feel the need to explain to us how difficult the journey was or how many times they fell, or almost failed. They will just want us to enjoy this success with them.

The legacy planning the Stewardship Foundation invites you to explore parallels the Olympic journey of those hosting the events and the athletes competing in them. Legacy planning requires that you plan for future success and the “gold” you wish to leave your family and the charitable causes you support. The decisions you make now, and the plans you implement, can have a positive affect those important to you. And like the gold medal athlete basking on the podium, you too can rejoice in the fruit of your legacy that you started today. You will not have to explain the sacrifices you made to your family or the benefitting charity; you will rejoice knowing those you love and support will benefit from your gold medal foresight.

Contact the Stewardship Foundation to start your legacy today.