Although the welfare of animals is at the heart of what we do, the vision of the Michiana Humane Society is not driven simply by our love of animals.

• We strive to make every animal a wanted animal.
• We strive to make people more compassionate.
• We strive to promote and educate humane treatment to animals in our community.
• We are committed to honesty and integrity.
• We embrace constructive change
• We focus on the future with hope and optimism.

Six Ways to Leave Your Legacy
Start by selecting the charitable organization(s) you would like to support. Then pick the type of gift that best meets the needs of your family. Six of the easiest and most popular ways to establish a legacy of caring are:

1. Use a will or trust to promote a specific sum of money or a percentage of your estate.
2. Name the Michiana Humane Society as the beneficiary of a tax preferred retirement plan or IRA.
3. Establish a life income gift such as a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity.
4. Make a gift of a new or existing life insurance policy.
5. Donate your primary resident or vacation home under a life estate agreement.
6. Donate appreciated assets such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds.

Once you make a gift, you will find that along with establishing a legacy, there will likely be financial benefits. These are based on the type of gift and may include income tax savings. An estate planning attorney or tax advisor can help you with the specifics of your charitable gift.

Virginia Gielow Legacy

In 1920, a small group of women joined forces to help abused and unwanted animals in Michigan City. Virginia Gielow recalled fondly stories of her mother and friends saving pennies to care for homeless pets. Virginia's compassion for animals remained throughout her lifetime and through that generosity, her gift enable the Michiana Humane Society to complete the shelter as well as establish the Virginia Gielow Endowment Fund.

To recognize the generosity of those making planned gifts to the Michiana Humane Society, the Virginia Gielow Legacy Society has been formed. Membership is open to all who have informed us that they have named the Michiana Humane Society in their wills, or other planned giving documents.

Members receive the following benefits:

• Recognition on the Virginia Gielow Legacy Society in the MHS Lobby.
• Invitation to the MHS Annual Luncheon.
• Priority invitations to benefits and parties of the MHS.
• Discounts on MHS store items.

Your planned gifts allow us to continue our vital mission: To promote the well being of our communities' animals through intervention, advocacy and education.

If you would like more information give us a call, visit the shelter or email us. Thank you for your support!