Mission Momentum

Fall 2015

Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest

Thoughts from JohnSenior Living and Care is Changing...Rapidly

Did You Know?Helping Older Adults Live Life to the Fullest

Meet John KnappArchitect + Painter + Sculptor + Author + Poet

Tee Off with LSSIt’s All Fore Benevolent Care

Mission GivingBe in the Know with Bequests

Upcoming EventsWalk + Anniversary + Trivia

Meet John Knapp

Senior living and care is changing … rapidly. Fueled by the growing number of older adults in America, the mission and reach of Lutheran Senior Services has never been more widely or deeply needed than now. We’re focused not only on the changes occurring today, but on the progress and direction for tomorrow.

That’s why I am humbled to present to you the first edition of “Mission Momentum”. This is an inside look as to how our mission of “Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest” is gaining momentum and impacting those around us. You’ll receive an overarching view of the way we make senior living and care our priority.

Our mission is made possible by over 3,000 servant-hearted employees, community partners, and you. We are grateful for your partnership.

John Kotovsky

Did You Know?

1,576 ongoing volunteers, one-time volunteers, 73,196 total volunteer hours donated (estimated 40%–9,278–of those hours are from LSS residents)

$1,581,599 estimated value of these volunteer hours (based on the Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Hours)

88 churches or church-affiliated organizations who benefitted from volunteering 333 other types of organizations who benefitted

*All figures based on 2014 totals

At age 98, John Knapp has spent a lifetime creating. He considers himself an architect, painter, sculptor,

author, and poet – and has a portfolio to prove it. Knapp opened a month-long exhibit beginning on Father’s Day at Heisinger Bluffs Senior Living

Community in Jefferson City, displaying some of his work.

“One of the things I have been hit with all my

life is that I make

an

abstract painting, and people say ‘What is that?’ So I decided that in this show I would take each of my 22 works of art, look at them myself, ask what do I see, and then write a poem,” said John. “My poetry is explaining the idea behind each painting.”

Continuing the exhibit through his 99th birthday, John’s artwork has displayed Living Life to the Fullest to the entire Jefferson City community. “We think John is the perfect example of purposeful living and successful aging through continuing his passion. We are so proud to be showcasing his passion,” said Stormy Anderson, Administrator of the Care Center and Independent Living for Heisinger Bluffs.

Thoughts from John“Change is inevitable. Progress is optional.”

LSSLIVING.ORG • 2

In the rough, on the green, and in the hole, 288 golfers and supporters of LSS Benevolent Care gathered at Norwood Hills Country Club for the 5th annual Tee Off with LSS event. The largest benefit of the year for LSS, the golf tournament and auction had set a goal of raising over $150,000 to directly impact those at LSS who through unexpected rising medical costs and surgeries have outlived their financial planning. With support from generous company sponsors and individuals, that goal was met! And while the numbers certainly reflect the impact supporters of the tournament and auction made, the individual stories of those receiving benevolent care demonstrate the real difference Tee Off with LSS makes in the lives of older adults. “My mom was a good person, a hard working person, who just at the end of her life needed some help,” said Debbie Amiri whose mother was a recipient of

Benevolent Care. Now her and her family give back to Benevolent Care for the difference it made it their lives. “I hope that our gifts can give someone as much comfort and peace that my mom and entire family received.”

The evening concluded with a beautiful auction and dinner, featuring unique items such as an Italian dinner hosted by John and Elaine Kotovsky and Dick Mersman, a pig roast for up to 75 friends, Cardinals tickets, jewelry, a hot air balloon ride, and much more! Thank you to all who attended, all who were generous, and all who volunteered. On behalf of those who are on the receiving end of your generosity – your gifts have made a great difference.

It’s not too late to make a donation and directly impact those who need our help. Contact Sue Dressel to make a donation at 314.446.8217 or at Sue.Dressel@LSSLiving.org

Tee Off with LSSIt’s All Fore Benevolent Care

MISSION MOMENTUM • 3

Mission GivingPlanning a Bequest | The act of giving property (IRA, estate, TSA, 401(k)) to an organization, creating a lasting legacy. Be in the Know with BequestsLearn the in’s and out’s• Revocable—You can modify or revoke the beneficiary designations at any

time during your lifetime. • Avoid Probate—Gifting assets via a beneficiary designation will avoid the

probate process.• Easy to Do—Simply fill out a brief beneficiary designation form provided

by the plan or account administrator. (You will need the legal name and tax ID number of the organization).

• Tax Savings—By making a gift of your retirement plan, your estate will receive a 100% charitable deduction, thereby saving estate taxes, and will avoid the income taxes on those assets. By comparison, if your estate were subject to the estate tax, your retirement plan would be subject to estate taxes, and if you left your retirement plan to children or grandchildren, those assets would result in substantial income taxes. From a tax perspective, your retirement plan is a “good” asset to leave to charity and can be a “bad” asset to leave to family.

• Inexpensive—In most cases, there is no need to amend your will or trust, thus saving legal fees.Any questions? Call Al Koepke at 314.262.8237 or at Al.Koepke@LSSLiving.org. Want to stay up-to-date on how you can be a wise steward? Check out the LSS e-publication, Mission Living, focusing on stewardship info and legacy living.

Alzheimer’s WalkSt. Louis, MO – 9/12Springfield, IL – 9/19Jefferson City, MO – 9/20Edwardsville, IL – 9/26St. Charles, MO – 9/26Columbia, MO – 10/4Peoria, IL – 10/4Belleville, IL – 10/10

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the US and the only cause among the top 10 in the US that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. Be a part of raising awareness and much-needed research dollars. Join LSS at these upcoming ALZ Walks.

Halls Ferry Manor 20th Year AnniversaryFriday, September 25 | 2 – 4 p.m.

Halls Ferry Manor8725 Halls Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63147Be certain to join in the festivities as Halls Ferry Manor, our very first Affordable Housing Community, celebrates it’s 20th year anniversary!!! CONGRATULATIONS to everyone!!

Trivia NightWednesday, November 11 | 5:15 p.m.

Heisinger Bluffs Independent Living Dining Room 1002 West Main St. Jefferson City, MO 65109Join The Bluffs for the 5th Annual Trivia Night! All proceeds support Benevolent Care - assistance for residents in financial need. The goal this year is to raise $5,000. Tickets: $20 per person or $150 for a table of 8. Entry fee includes: 10 rounds of trivia, Silent Auction, Raffle Baskets, a dessert bar, and hot dogs and hamburgers for sale.

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LSSLIVING.ORG • 4

The Caring Connections Continue

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