Creating a Legacy Doesn't Have to be Complicated

Alexa Bedwell, currently serving within the Giving Circle Leadership Circle as Program Chair, shares her experience with joining the Pink Circle Society to benefit our Circle with a legacy gift.

When I first heard about planned giving, the idea immediately resonated with me. Of course I want to leave a legacy of generosity and make an impact that lasts for generations. But, like many of us, I kept pushing it down my to-do list. Not because I didn’t care, but because I assumed it would be a long, complicated process.

That changed when I learned more about the Pink Circle Society, the Women’s Giving Circle’s planned giving program. I realized that taking the first step wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had imagined. You don’t even need to change your will — it can be as simple as adding a beneficiary to a retirement account.

Here’s what I did:

• Sent my financial advisor the Community Foundation’s tax ID

• Confirmed the change with a quick phone call

• Signed a document electronically

That was it. With just one small action, I had created a legacy gift.

Planned giving isn’t about the size of the gift — it’s about the heart behind it. By joining the Pink Circle Society, you ensure that your values and generosity will continue to shape our community for years to come. Small, intentional steps today can create a ripple effect that touches lives long after we’re gone.

I’d be happy to share more about my own experience or walk you through the process I followed. Please feel free to reach out to me at alexa.bedwell@frederickwgc.org — I’d love to talk with you about it.

Alexa Bedwell