The iconic copper dome on top of Shorewood High School serves as an enduring inspiration for a group of generous individuals who have made a decision to leave a legacy gift to the Shorewood SEED Foundation. In January 2021, the Shorewood School District announced the launch of a planned giving campaign in partnership with SEED, the Educate Forward Endowment Fund. Carol Habek, Shorewood Class of 1950, passed away in July of 2020, leaving a bequest of $200,000 to SEED’s Educate Forward Endowment Fund, making her the first person to give a legacy gift to SEED.
Carol’s gift was extremely generous, but it’s important to note that there is no minimum amount to become a part of the Coppedome Club. Making a decision to leave a legacy gift is worthy of recognition and sends a statement to students, parents, teachers, and the community that you value quality education in Shorewood and desire to see it sustainably funded, through both good and difficult times. Copperdome Club members invest in the education of current students and generations of future students to come.
Inside the copper dome, where Political Theory and American Government classes are taught
Megann Hendrix, Estate Planning Attorney at MacGillis Weimer, LLC and SEED board member, answers questions about how to join the Copperdome Club:
SEED (Q): How would a person designate SEED as a beneficiary when they are first creating their will or trust?
Megann Hendrix (A): When creating a will or trust to distribute their estate, the person can either designate SEED to receive a specific dollar amount (specific bequest) or receive a percentage of the estate. The drafter should make sure to designate the full legal name of SEED: Shorewood Supporters of Excellence in Educational Development (SEED) Fdn. Inc., Tax ID Number 04–3750042.
Q: What is the process for adding SEED to a person’s existing will or trust?
A: A will or trust is amendable during the person’s lifetime, so the person could call their estate planning attorney to request an amendment to the document. A will is amended by drafting a “codicil” or by simply creating a new will to revoke the prior and replace it in full. A Revocable Trust is amended by drafting either an “amendment” to make a minor change or a “restatement” to restate the trust in full.
Q: Are there any other ways to designate assets to SEED upon death?
A: Direct beneficiary designations could also be used to designate SEED as a beneficiary of particular assets. This is especially beneficial for retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, etc.) because charities do not pay income taxes on the distribution, whereas individuals they choose to name in their estate plan will pay income taxes on funds coming from retirement accounts.
We hope you will consider becoming a part of the Copperdome Club! Our school district greatly appreciates the continued generosity of SEED donors, many of whom are past students and alumni.
Founding Copperdome Club members:
Carol Habek (Class of 1950)
Peter Hammond (Class of 1982) and Sarah Hammond (Class of 1984)
Sarah McEneany and Bob Smith
Melissa and Eric Nelsen (Class of 1983)
Carrie and John Wettstein
Christin and Oscar Wille (Class of 1993)
If you are ready to leave a lasting legacy, please reach out to SEED President Melissa Nelsen at seed@shorewood.k12.wi.us.
For more detailed instructions on how to donate to the Educate Forward Endowment Fund through planned giving, please view SEED Planned Giving (PDF).