United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.
serving Beaufort and Jasper Counties
2266 Boundary St., P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901-0202; 843.982.3040 (Beaufort)
1538 Fording Island Road, Suite 107 C, Bluffton, SC 29910; 843.837.2000 (Hilton Head/Bluffton)
306 Third Ave. P.O. Box 1420, Ridgeland, SC 29936; 843.645.6500 (Ridgeland)

www.uwlowcountry.org

Our Mission: Mobilizing Resources to Meet Human Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 29, 2011
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Contact: Jill Briggs, Executive Vice President

843.837.2000, ext. 222

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United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. has received $2,220,409 in gifts and pledges putting them at 79.3% of their $2.8 million annual fundraising goal.

“You can help us reach our community campaign goal and transfer your wealth in a way that is tax efficient, allowing you to pass more of your assets to your heirs and favorite causes,” said Peter Post, Beaufort Area Campaign Chairman. “There are philanthropic strategies for directing wealth that allow you to reflect your values and your personal financial goals, and at the same time provide you with important tax benefits.”

“If you are 70 ½ years old or older, you may want to consider making a tax-free charitable distribution from your traditional IRA or rollover IRA,” suggested Mike Petrilli, Hilton Head Island Campaign Chair.

“You may distribute any amount up to $100,000 per year in tax years 2011 and 2012,” Petrilli continued. “Or you and your spouse may take combined distributions up to $200,000, provided each of you owns at least one IRA, and each of you is at least 70 ½ years old at the time of the distribution. Each of you must be able to make a qualified charitable distribution up to $100,000 from your respective IRA accounts.”

“Qualified charitable distributions for 2010 may be made through January 31, 2011,” stated Phyllis Doyle, Bluffton/Jasper County Campaign Chair. “The distribution proceeds must be paid by check directly to the charity, and charities must receive distributions for 2011 no later than January 31, 2012 for the donation to be considered in the 2011 tax year. The deadline for making 2012 qualified charitable distributions is December 31, 2012.”

The holidays are full of joy,” added United Way Chairman of the Board, Elizabeth Lamkin. “But, please, take a moment to think of people right here in our community whose lives are bleak. You can help those in need, and help yourself at the same time. Please give as much as you can, and help us reach our $2.8 million goal.”

Start the new year off by dining out to give back to your local community! Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 14th the Black Marlin Bayside Grill located dockside at Palmetto Bay Marina on Hilton Head Island will offer a Crab Crackin’ with a portion of the proceeds generated at the event to be donated to the agencies and programs supported by the United Way of the Lowcountry. The crab varieties to be served at the event include Blue Crabs, Dungeness Crabs, and Snow Crabs.  Hamburgers will also be served and live music will be provided by The Chiggers.  “This is the second annual event promoted by the SERG Group to benefit the United Way of the Lowcountry and we’re thrilled to be part of such a communal event to give back locally,” says Jill Briggs, executive vice president for the United Way of the Lowcountry.

United Way of the Lowcountry campaign contributions fund 32 partner agencies and 42 programs in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Those partner agencies focus on one or more of United Way’s priorities to achieve better HEALTH, EDUCATION, SHELTER, NUTRITION and INCOME in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

To contribute, to volunteer, or for more information visit the United Way website at www.uwlowcountry.org or call 843-982-3040 in Beaufort, 843-837-2000 in Bluffton/Hilton Head and 843-645-6500 in Jasper County.

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. — LIVE UNITED