Donor Stories
Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.
Shari and Harry Esayian
Shari and Harry Esayian are longtime Broadway subscribers and Center supporters. They even celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary with tickets to opening night! Making a legacy gift was an easy next step from their everyday giving, and a way to proudly support a vibrant arts culture in Orange County for future generations. Please take a moment to learn more about Shari and Harry's story in this two-minute video.
Carol and Kent Wilken
Carol and Kent Wilken have been involved with Segerstrom Center for the Arts even before the campus was built in 1986. From the beginning, they have encouraged giving to endowment to support quality arts experiences and impactful arts education programming not just for today but for generations to come. Please take a moment to learn more about Carol and Kent's story in this two-minute video.
Bart Asner
Dr. Bart Asner always had a love for the arts. As a child growing up in New York City, he attended many Broadway shows and symphonies. When he moved to Orange County from Los Angeles, the drive became unbearable and, like many, he was grateful to be able to experience the arts at Segerstrom Center. Please take a moment to learn more about Bart's story in this two-minute video.
Eileen Cirillo
You may have met Eileen Cirillo if you've ever taken a docent-led tour at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Alongside being a volunteer docent, she is a strong supporter of the Center's education programs and co-founded Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities. By including the Center in her estate plans, she can ensure that the programs close to her heart will continue to receive the support they need long after she's gone. Please take a moment to learn more about Eileen's story in this two-minute video.
Bev and Bob Sandelman
Bev and Bob Sandelman became involved with Segerstrom Center for the Arts with a desire to support arts education for children. Giving through their IRA is a way for them to receive tax benefits today while also providing for their family in the future. Please take a moment to learn more about Bev and Bob's story in this two-minute video.
Varla and Curt Knauss
Varla and Curt Knauss have always believed in giving back. As a CPA, Varla considers a Charitable Remainder Trust as an excellent planning tool because it provides you with an income and tax deductions while you're alive while benefiting a charity you care about after you pass. In her words, "It's a win win win!" Learn more about Curt and Varla's story in this two-minute video.Kay Fukunaga
When it comes to planned giving, people tend to put their money where their heart is. For Kay Fukunaga, a big part of her heart is with the Center.-
Using a Beneficiary Designation to Make a Gift to CharityJoanne and her late husband Hal had been longtime supporters of our organization. Recently, Joanne's children encouraged...
More -
Reduce Your Taxes with an IRA Rollover GiftMargaret was a retired librarian. She volunteered at her favorite charity several times a week and also made several donations to the charity each year.
More -
Tax-Free SaleHoward and Lynn were both age 55 when they purchased some vacant land a few miles outside of town. They thought real estate would be a good investment that could be sold later for a profit.
More -
Capital Gains Tax BypassedPeter and Gail were nearing retirement. Over the years, with the help of their financial advisor, they made solid investments in securities and built a sizable portfolio.
More -
Endowment GiftPat and Shelly were recently married. They both had been dedicated volunteers at their favorite charity for many years.
More -
Sale and UnitrustGene and Carol purchased stock in a small medical service company several years ago. The company has done well.
More -
The Retirement UnitrustMary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she and her husband Bill inherited the farm.
More -
An Easy Way to Help Our Work with Your IRADaniel was a retired businessman who volunteered for our organization. When we decided to add a new program, he was excited to help in a significant way.
More -
Property Turns Into IncomeMiranda lived in the family home where she and her spouse had raised their three children. After her spouse passed away, Miranda found it increasingly difficult to care for her property.
More -
Part Gift and Part SaleSusan and Kevin bought a vacant lot along Lake Michigan many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their family could spend their summers along the lake.
More -
Current GiftsAs is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.
More -
Gift of a Bank Account When No Longer Needed (POD)Keith has been a faithful supporter of Segerstrom Center for the Arts and makes regular gifts to support our work.
More -
Transferable on Death (TOD) GiftsHarold and Jeanne married after meeting at an event Segerstrom Center for the Arts held for our donors. They wanted to leave a legacy gift...
More -
A Bequest to Further Good WorkNancy and David were dedicated volunteers. Over the years, they had seen many individuals helped by the good work of their favorite charity.
More -
What Will You Do with Your Unspent Retirement Savings?Michael and Kelly were retired engineers with two adult children. They owned a home, some stocks, and IRAs.
More -
A Bequest to Save TaxesThomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work, Thomas wanted to thank us with a gift from his estate.
More -
Leading for the FutureLuke and Cynthia spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.
More -
Give it Twice TrustWhile visiting her favorite charity's website, June came across the idea of a give it twice trust. She contacted the charity for more information.
More -
Providing for Our Children's FutureRon and Kathy worked for many years building their nest egg for retirement.
More -
IRA Rollover: A Gift with Substantial BenefitsMark was a retired attorney with a significant IRA and substantial income from investments. He had made IRA rollover gifts to his favorite charity several times in recent years.
More -
Bequest of InsuranceMarla and Wayne purchased a life insurance policy many years ago to create security for their children's future.
More -
Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!We have all heard the saying "You can't have your cake and eat it too." This phrase describes a situation where we want two good things at the same time when that isn't possible.
More -
Avoiding Tax on a Business SaleAlbert was the founder and sole shareholder of a small technology company that he started 30 years ago. At 65 years of age, he began thinking about selling the business.
More -
Using Blended Gifts to Reach Your Charitable Giving GoalsJay and his wife Amy wanted to support our organization with a significant gift of $100,000. They wanted to spread this gift out over several years but also wanted to make a gift of $25,000 this year.
More -
Gifts of Mineral InterestsWalter and May recently retired and moved south to a new retirement community. They still own their 250-acre ranch.
More -
Gift for a Loved One with Special NeedsRichard is a successful business owner. His younger brother, Robert, was born with special needs. For the past 10 years, Richard has supported Robert, including paying the costs for Robert's adult care facility.
More
Elizabeth A. Kurila, CSPG