Sharon Nelson, Cornerstone Society Member
CARRYING FORWARD A FAMILY TRADITION OF GENEROSITY AS A CORNERSTONE SOCIETY MEMBER
“My mom, Ruth Haas, was always passionate about helping children and wanted all her money to support such worthy causes. At some point, she visited
Ronald McDonald House and was so impressed by the ways it helps families that she decided to include Ronald McDonald House in her will,” said Sharon Nelson.
“Because of her,” continued Sharon, “I had the chance to visit the house and present a check from my parents’ estate. Seeing firsthand how the House supported so many families, I felt inspired to follow in her footsteps. I have also included a gift to Ronald McDonald House in my will, so that it can continue to help others in the future. My parents were frugal, as I am, and had saved a decent amount over the years. I feel grateful that their generosity—and now mine—can make such a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.”
Sharon and Neil Nelson, along with her parents Richard and Ruth Haas, are recognized as members of the Cornerstone Society—a distinguished group of 152 planned giving donors who have chosen to leave a legacy through bequests and estate gifts to ensure our mission thrives for generations to come. These members create more than a legacy—they provide a lasting home for families when they need it most through thoughtful, long-term financial planning.
There are several ways to create a legacy gift:
• Bequest in a Will or Trust – Leaving a portion of your estate, a specific dollar amount, or particular assets (like property or investments) to RMHCCIN.
• Beneficiary Designation – Naming RMHCCIN as a beneficiary on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank accounts, or investment accounts.
• Donor Advised Fund (DAF) – Designating RMHCCIN to receive remaining funds after your lifetime, while also giving during your lifetime can provide tax advantages.
Each approach allows you to align your charitable goals with your long-term financial planning.
RMHCCIN is proud to partner with Reify Wealth Advisors to educate our community about legacy giving. Through
workshops and stories of real-life impact, we hope to inspire others to consider how they, too, can build a legacy of
love.
Membership in the Cornerstone Society includes recognition in RMHCCIN publications, invitations to exclusive gatherings, and the knowledge that your foresight will sustain thousands of families for years to come.
To learn more about joining the Cornerstone Society or exploring legacy giving options, visit our planned giving page contact Chief Advancement Officer, Katie Prine at kprine@rmhccin.org. With thoughtful planning and trusted guidance, we can create a future rooted in compassion—one that continues to support families when they need it most.