2026 Write a Will by The Papers Inc.

Week of

October 19-23, 2026 MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES THAT FOLLOW Supplement to

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Welcome from Senior Life Senior Life Newspapers is proud to support Write a Will Week through the publication of this booklet. This piece is distributed annually in conjunction with “Write a Will Week”, October 19-23, 2026. Valuable information is included to help you prepare for your future. We would like to thank the Charitable Gift Planners of Northeast Indiana for their assistance and support. Event sites are noted on pages 7-9. Forms and information to benefit you are included as well. Please let us know if there is anything we can do next year to enhance the overall content of this booklet.

Advertiser �� Ad page Beers Mallers LLP �� 11 Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana �� 11 Catholic Community Foundation of Northeast Indiana..................15 Fort Wayne Zoo �� 12 Lutheran Life Villages �� 7

of Allen & its surrounding counties “Living Life After 50”

Purdue University Fort Wayne................................................................. 9

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Table of Contents

Title �� Page

Partner Highlights �� Page

Write a Will ��3

Beers Mallers LLP ��10

Estate Planning ��4

Fort Wayne Zoo ��10

How To Prepare ��5 CGPNI Board of Directors ��5 Write a Will Form ��6 Write a Will Events ��7-9 Charitable Bequest Language �� 11

Purdue University Fort Wayne................................................12 Catholic Community Foundation of Northeast Indiana.........................................................................13 Charitable Gift Planners of Northeast Indiana................13 Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana �� 14 Lutheran Life Villages �� 14 Stllwater Hospice �� 15

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Write a Will

Nonprofit Impact on Communities By Michelle Creager Nonprofit charitable organizations highlight all that is good in America today. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, Charitable organizations provide a way for people to work together for a common good, a place where shared hopes and beliefs are transformed into action, and an atmosphere to shape our boldest dreams, highest ideals, and noblest causes. Everyone benefits from the work of nonprofits in one way or another. Nonprofit organizations strengthen communities by providing the educational, health, and social services that citizens need and the government cannot fully provide. There is a good chance that you have attended service at a house of worship, learned to swim at the YMCA, developed life skills through Girl Scouts or Little League, or enjoyed the family vacation at the zoo, all thanks to the work of nonprofit organizations. Charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture people of every age, race, religion, gender, and socioeconomic status. They foster community engagement, promote leadership, drive economic growth, and strengthen the fabric of our communities every single day. However, operating a nonprofit isn’t easy. A nonprofit’s ability to secure sustainable long-term funding while providing generational stability is a challenge. Nonprofit organizations can only fulfill their missions when they have dedicated and passionate people who give their time, talents, and treasures. They count on legacy bequests to carry out their missions of creating more equitable and healthy communities. Quite simply, supporting a nonprofit organization is a beneficial way to strengthen our community, share our blessings and help our neighbors who are in need. It provides a way for donors to leave behind more than just “things” when they pass. It allows a way for donors to communicate their values and beliefs to their heirs, while leaving them with a community improved by philanthropy.

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Roughly, 80% of dollars contributed to nonprofits come from individual donors or their estates. [1] By donating to charity in the form of a charitable bequest in a Will, it alleviates this risk of needing the money for your own health needs, since upon the death of the donor, the funds would no longer be needed by him or her. With this guide you will find the wonderful local organizations that are impacting Northeast Indiana. By adding a bequest to one, or several of them, you can participate in the Write a Will event at no cost to you. Nonprofits are all around us and touch millions of lives each day thanks to the generous and selfless gifts provided by those invested in the community and proud to help those less fortunate than themselves.

[1] Giving Statistics https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=42

Write a Will

Estate Planning Do’s and Don’ts

This article provided by 1st Source Bank You’ve built a good life for yourself and, naturally, you want to pass it on. But just as it takes hard work and planning to acquire wealth, it also takes a well thoughtout estate plan to preserve those assets for future generations. An attorney, financial advisor/accountant, or trust administrator are professionals who can help you put together an estate plan that reflects your unique needs and goals, helping you to sort through difficult questions, avoid common mistakes, and plan your estate with confidence and peace of mind. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when putting together an estate plan:

• Don’t Write Your Own Will - Estate planning is too complicated to do it yourself, and the laws that govern it vary from state to state. So don’t rely on a generic form you found online when there are professionals who can customize a plan for you. All too often, small mistakes made by do-it-yourselfers can lead to an invalid Will and family members spending thousands of dollars fighting over your estate. • Don’t Procrastinate - Delays only hurt the ones you love. The time to plan your estate is now, even if you’re not sure who gets what or who you want to be in charge. An estate plan that meets 80% of your goals is better than no plan at all.

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• Do Consult A Financial Advisor - If you own valuable assets, the best way to protect them (and minimize your tax burden) is through a properly executed estate plan. • Do Fund Your Revocable Living Trust - As soon as possible after your trust agreement is signed, fund it. Otherwise, the plan won’t work if you become disabled, and your assets will end up in probate when you die.

• Don’t Forget To Update Beneficiary Designations - It’s a good idea to check your beneficiary designations periodically to make sure they’re current. Major assets could easily go to the wrong person if you’ve recently had a major life change. In a worst-case scenario, these assets could even end up in probate and subject to the claims of creditors. shutterstock.com

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How to Prepare For Meeting with Your “Write a Will” Attorney

Your meeting with your attorney at any of the partner "Write a Will" sites will be scheduled for approximately 1530 minutes. For best use of your appointment, complete the form for Will Preparation (a copy is available on page 6).

At the end of your appointment, your attorney will explain what to expect and when your document(s) will be ready to sign. You should follow-up with your attorney. CGPNI is not involved in the follow-up.

Bring it with you to your appointment. The information your attorney will need to complete your Will includes:

Remember, your Will will be prepared at no charge if you name at least one charity to receive a gift from your Will when you die. If you do not name a charity in your Will, you must be prepared to pay the cost of the Will. The attorney will discuss this with you.

• Your marital status and, if married, the name of your spouse; also, is your spouse a U.S. citizen? Do you have a prenuptial agreement? • Names and birthdates of all your children whether they will inherit or not • Name and address of the charitable organization(s) you name in your Will • Names of other persons who will benefit from your Will, and their relationship to you • A general list of your assets and how those assets are titled; for example, is your house or bank account in your name only, or are there other owners? If you have an IRA or retirement account, who are your beneficiaries? • You can leave your beneficiaries a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. You can also make bequests of specific items, such as jewelry or furniture. Your attorney will discuss each of these options.

You may also ask your shutterstock.com attorney to prepare other documents for you in addition to a Will. Please be aware the attorney has the right to charge a fee for the additional work.

NOTE: This is general information only. You should rely on your attorney's advice in all matters regarding your estate plan. The CGPNI committee does not prepare Wills and is not engaged in the practice of Law. An Initiative of the CHARITABLE GIFT PLANNERS OF NORTHEAST INDIANA www.cgpni.com

2026 Board of Directors

President ��Emily Lahr, Stillwater Hospice Vice President �� Bethany Clapper, Purdue Fort Wayne Treasurer �� Alex Andorfer, CPA, Leonard J. Andorfer & Co.

Secretary ��Makenzie Tomlinson, CPA, FORVIS Mazars Communications Chair �� June Harkness, CFRE, Comfort Crew for Military Kids Write a Will Week Chair ��Emily Lahr, Stillwater Hospice

Membership Chair ��Matt Konow, CFRE, Concordia Lutheran High School At-Large Member �� Jo Mejia, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne At-Large Member ��John Reimbold, CFP, Reimbold & Miller At-Large Member ��Margarita White, Community Foundation of Noble County At-Large Member ��Logan Timbrook, CFP, SYM Financial Advisors

Program Chair �� Rudy Mahara II, National Christian Foundation

Write a Will

Write a Will Form Complete this form to present to the attorney for your Simple Will with Charitable Gift. Please print Your name as you will sign on your document_________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number____________________________________________________________________ Your marital status ___________________ Name of spouse: _____________________________ Do you have children? ________ How many? __________ Are any children minors? __________ BENEFICIARIES OF YOUR ESTATE AT DEATH: Amount or Percent 1. Charities a. Official Name Address b. Official Name Address 2. Others (Name) Relationship

Amount or Percent

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WHO WILL SERVE AS YOUR EXECUTOR? 1. Name_____________________________

Address ________________________________________ ________________________________________

2. Alternate _________________________

Address ________________________________________ ________________________________________

How will your tangible personal property (i.e. furniture, jewelry, etc.) be distributed? Spouse _______ Children in equal shares ________ Sold and proceeds added to remainder of estate_________ Other _______________________________________________________________________________________ You may arrange for additional provisions or other documents for a fee: Power of Attorney, Advance Directives for Health Care, Appointment of Guardian, Trust provisions. Please consult your attorney.

YOUR DOCUMENT MAY BE EXECUTED AT A LATER DATE BY APPOINTMENT An Initiative of the CHARITABLE GIFT PLANNERS OF NORTHEAST INDIANA www.cgpni.com

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2026 Write a Will Events CENTRAL SITE – FORT WAYNE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMUNITY CENTER (call for appointment) 233 W. Main St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 www.fortwayneparks.org 260-427-6460 October 20: 9:00-11:00 am Attorney: Beers Mallers, LLP ACRES LAND TRUST 1802 Chapman Rd. Huntertown, IN 46748 www.acreslandtrust.org Contact: Heather Barth 260-637-2273, ext. 105 hbarth@acreslandtrust.org October 20 – contact for appointment times Attorney: David Van Gilder, Fletcher Van Gilder LLP

ACRES LAND TRUST 436 E. Wayne St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 www.acreslandtrust.org Contact: Heather Barth 260-637-2273, ext. 105 hbarth@acreslandtrust.org October 22 – contact for appointment times Attorney: David Van Gilder, Fletcher Van Gilder LLP

CANCER SERVICES OF NORTHEAST INDIANA (call for appointment) 2190 N. Pointe Dr. Warsaw, IN 46582 www.cancer-services.org Contact: Jessica Misserbiev 260-255-3750 jmisserbiev@cancer-services.org October 20: 9:00 am-1:00 pm Attorney: Catherine S. Christoff, Christoff & Christoff Attorneys

To avoid waiting, you are encouraged to call ahead to make an appointment at the site of your choice. (Some sites require a pre-set appointment.)

Begin your legacy today!

Write A Will Week - October 19 & 22

Lutheran Life Villages is proud to partner with local estate planning attorneys who generously donate their time to help you prepare a simple will at no cost to you. Space is limited! To book your free appointment, contact Jennifer Zurbuch, Director of Philanthropy (260) 447-0800 x2149 development@lutheranlifevillages.org or scan the QR Code to contact us online! We are grateful for the donated services of Heidi Adair Beers | Mallers Oct. 19

Noah Codner Beers | Mallers Oct. 22

Write a Will

2026 Write a Will Events CANCER SERVICES OF NORTHEAST INDIANA (call for appointment) 6316 Mutual Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46825 www.cancer-services.org Contact: Jessica Misserbiev 260-255-3750 jmisserbiev@cancer-services.org October 22: 1:00-6:00 pm Attorney: Catherine S. Christoff, Christoff & Christoff Attorneys ERIN’S HOUSE FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN (call for appointment) 5670 YMCA Park Dr. W. Fort Wayne, IN 46835 www.erinshouse.org Contact: Leslie Augustyniak 260-423-2466 leslie@erinshouse.org October 21: 11:00 am-6:00 pm Attorney: Josh White, Barnes & Thornburg LLP FORT WAYNE MUSEUM OF ART (call for appointment) 311 E. Main St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 www.fwmoa.org Contact: Emily Uphoff 260-422-6467 emily.uphoff@fwmoa.org October 20: 10:00 am-1:00 pm Attorney: Leah Good, Troyer & Good, PC FORT WAYNE ZOO 3411 Sherman Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46808 fwzoo.com Contact: Rachel Reed 260-427-6800, ext. 156 rachel.reed@fwzoo.com October 19 & 21 – contact for appointment times Attorneys: Beers Mallers, LLP and HallerColvin

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER FORT WAYNE 2085 Humphrey St. Fort Wayne, IN 46803 www.habitatgfw.com Contact: Hailie Boes 260-515-3442 hboes@habitatgfw.com Contact for appointment times Attorney: TBD IRIS FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER 500 W. Main St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 www.irisfamily.org Contact: Morgan Weber 260-450-6013 mweber@irisfamily.org October 20 – contact for appointment times Attorney: TBD LUTHERAN LIFE VILLAGES (call for appointment) 9910 Dupont Circle Dr. E. Fort Wayne, IN 46825 www.lutheranlifevillages.org Contact: Jennifer Zurbuch 260-447-0800, ext. 2149 development@lutheranlifevillages.org October 19: 9:00-11:00 am (appointments every 30 minutes) October 22: 2:00-4:00 pm (appointments every 30 minutes) Attorney: Heidi Adair, Beers Mallers, LLP

PBS FORT WAYNE 2501 E. Coliseum Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 www.pbsfortwayne.org Contact: Carolyn Bean 260-482-6850 carolynbean@wfwa.org Contact for appointment times Attorney: TBD PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 www.pfw.edu Contact: Bethany RG Clapper 260-481-6894 bclapper@pfw.edu October 22 – contact for appointment times Attorney: Josh White, Barnes & Thornburg LLP SAINT ANNE COMMUNITIES 1900 Randallia Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 www.sacfw.org Contact: Emily Thiel 260-399-3135 emily.thiel@sacfw.org Contact for appointment times Attorney: Mark Scudder, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

To avoid waiting, you are encouraged to call ahead to make an appointment at the site of your choice. (Some sites require a pre-set appointment.)

2026 Write a Will Events STILLWATER HOSPICE (call for appointment) Appointments held at: Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center 5920 Homestead Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46814 www.stillwater-hospice.org Contact: Kaitlin Sanders-Krieger 260-435-3252 kaitlinsanders-krieger@stillwaterhospice.org October 19: 5:30-7:30 pm October 20: 10:00 am-12 Noon October 21: 3:00-5:00 pm Attorneys: Troy Kiefer and Jesica Thorson, Beers Mallers LLP

TURNSTONE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES (call for appointment) 3320 N. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 www.turnstone.org Contact: Stephanie Coleman 260-483-2100 stephanie@turnstone.org October 22: 1:00-4:30 pm Attorney: Scott Federspiel, Nugen Law

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES THAT FOLLOW

YWCA NORTHEAST INDIANA (call for appointment) 1313 W. Washington Center Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825 www.ywcanein.org Contact: Jill Vaught 260-424-4908, ext. 227 jvaught@ywcanein.org October 20: 2:00-7:00 pm Attorney: Josh White, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Week of

October 19-23, 2026

Give with vision. Plan with purpose. PURDUE UNIVERSITY FW

AD COMING

Join us for a FREE Write-A-Will session with a licensed attorney on October 22.

MAKE A MASTODON-SIZED IMPACT TODAY To make an appointment, email us at development@pfw.edu

Write a Will

Write a Will 2026 by Heidi B. Adair Do I even need a Will? Won’t my assets go to my loved ones anyway? Isn’t it enough that I’ve already designated my accounts to go to my desired beneficiaries? These are common questions asked when people are deciding whether they need to talk to an elder law attorney about an estate plan.

Heidi B. Adair People tend to think about estate planning at three points in life. The first is after becoming a parent, when a Will becomes crucial to expressing your wishes for your children’s care after you’re no longer around. The second is retirement, when it becomes clear that your family will need instructions in place to protect them if something happens to you. The third is losing a loved one, when every failure to plan shows up at once, with no time left to fix it. An elder law attorney can help you carry out your wishes efficiently under current tax and probate laws and avoid unnecessary conflict among the people you leave behind. An attorney will also help you navigate which assets pass by virtue of a beneficiary designation and which do not. The Write-A-Will program is an excellent opportunity to meet with an elder law attorney to get your Will done while also giving back to your community. Your Will will be prepaid at no cost when it includes at least one charitable bequest. We look forward to working with you.

Your Will Can ROAR for Generations Create a legacy that inspires wonder, protects wildlife, and connects families for years to come. Do you remember the first time you saw a giraffe up close? Or the sound of a lion’s roar echoing through the trees? These moments stay with us – sparking joy, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. They shape who we are. At Fort Wayne Zoo, we’re more than a zoo. We’re a place where conservation meets education, where families bond, and where future generations learn to care for the planet. For many, traveling abroad or even across the country to connect with wildlife isn’t possible. But at Fort Wayne Zoo, guests can engage with over 1,500 incredible animals in 69 habitats, representing 188 species from around the globe. Here, everything we do is tied to our mission of connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care about the natural world around them. This fall, during Write a Will Week – aligned with National Estate Planning Awareness Week – we invite you to reflect on what matters most and consider how your legacy can help shape the future of Fort Wayne Zoo. By including a gift to the Zoo in your will, you become an essential part of the story that continues to unfold. “I included the Zoo in my will because I want my grandchildren – and their grandchildren – to experience the same joy I did.” - Tom Ackmann, longtime Zoo supporter We invite you to consider how your story can intertwine with ours – and with the countless stories yet to be written by those who will walk through our gates in the years to come. Learn more about legacy giving and how to get started. Reach out to our Philanthropy Team at donorrelations@ fwzoo.com.

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Sponsored by the Charitable Gift Planners of Northeast Indiana

Take care of the people and causes you love by participating in Write a Will Day Attorney Catherine Christoff of Christoff & Christoff Attorneys will be available

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JUST A FEW SAMPLES SHOWING CHARITABLE BEQUEST LANGUAGE

Your Attorney will advise you about your Will & Charitable Gift

Tues., Oct. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Warsaw Office) and Thurs., Oct. 22, 2026 from 1-6 p.m. (Fort Wayne Office) for our Write A Will Day Please call Jessica Misserbiev at (260) 255-3750 to make your appointment.

UNRESTRICTED BEQUEST: I give to (legal name of institution, address) the sum of $______ Dollars (or _____% or fraction of my adjusted gross estate) as a charitable gift for its general purposes. RESTRICTED BEQUEST: I give to (legal name of institution, address) the sum of $______ Dollars (or ___% of my adjusted gross estate) as a charitable gift to be used for (describe the purpose for the gift). BEQUEST OF RESIDUARY ESTATE: After making the above gifts to my family and specific persons, I give all remaining property owned by me at death, wherever located, to (legal name of charity, address).

Leave more than memories.

Leave a plan. We can guide you through wills and estate planning that honors your intentions and secures your family’s future.

UNRESTRICTED BEQUEST OF SPECIFIC PROPERTY, ENDOWMENT: I give the following property to (legal name of institution, city and state) to be held as an endowment, the net income of which may, along with any appreciation (whether realized or unrealized), be spent for its general purposes: (describe property- real estate, gold jewelry, or valuable coin or art collection; insert specific description and where located.) Created by Jane M. Gerardot. Visit our website at www.cgpni.com. This document provides general information only. You should rely on your attorney’s advice in all matters regarding your estate plan. The CGPNI committee does not prepare Wills and is not engaged in the practice of Law.

A Legacy Planned with Purpose For 40 years, Oscar and Ophelia Weitzman kept a secret. The Fort Wayne couple quietly included Purdue Fort Wayne in their estate plans, choosing to invest in students they would never meet. When their plans became known after Ophelia’s death in 2012, the university learned that the couple had left a $3.4 million bequest—the largest one-time gift in the university’s history at the time. Their story is a powerful reminder that a legacy does not have to begin with a grand gesture. Sometimes, it begins with a thoughtful decision made years in advance.

LEGACY You have the power to make memories possible for generations to come.

Oscar spent nearly 50 years working for General Electric in Fort Wayne, beginning his career as a teenager. He eventually became general manager of the company’s Winter Street plant. Ophelia was an educator who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University and taught in Fort Wayne Community Schools for 19 years. Both understood the value of education and the opportunities it could provide. Today, their generosity continues through scholarships supporting Purdue Fort Wayne students, particularly those pursuing engineering and education. The university’s Weitzman Scholarships have helped dozens of students pursue their educational goals. The Weitzmans’ story illustrates the difference thoughtful estate planning can make. A planned gift can provide for loved ones while also supporting a cause that reflects your values. Whether it is a gift through your will, trust, retirement account or another asset, planned giving allows you to determine how you want your resources to make a difference.

Write a will and create a lasting mark at Fort Wayne Zoo Contact Rachel at rachel.reed@fwzoo.com or 260.427.6800 x156 to schedule your free and confidential appointment.

You may not know the students who benefit from your generosity. You may never see the programs your gift helps strengthen. But with thoughtful planning, your values can continue making a difference for generations. At Purdue Fort Wayne, the Weitzman Legacy Society honors individuals who have included the university in their estate plans. Their example reminds us that giving with vision and planning with purpose can create a legacy that reaches far beyond a lifetime.

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A Legacy Rooted in Faith shutterstock.com

Write A Will Guide Production Team Kim Lamley, Ad Sales, Senior Life Newspaper Cindy Mihingo, Graphic Designer, The Papers

Created in 1995, the Charitable Gift Planners of Northeast Indiana (CGPNI), formerly the Planned Giving Council of Northeast Indiana, is a nonprofit organization made up of charitable gift planning professionals such as attorneys, financial and estate planners, trust administrators, and investment and insurance specialists. Our members also include representatives from many local nonprofit organizations, including academic, religious, health, arts and culture, and social service organizations. The CGPNI is a member council of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (formerly the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning). The mission of CGPNI is to facilitate, coordinate, and encourage the education and training of the planned giving community, and to facilitate effective communication among its many different professionals. For more information and/or a membership application, Contact: Matt Konow, CFRE, mkonow@clhscadets.com or visit our website at www.cgpni.com

Tracy Troyer Attorney

Leah Good

Attorney

WILLS • TRUSTS • ELDER LAW 6303 Constitution Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46804 260.440.3241 www.TroyerGood.com

Written by

Mackenzie L. Ritchie, CFRE Chief Executive Officer Catholic Community Foundation of Northeast Indiana Writing your will may sound like a purely practical task, but in truth, it is something much deeper. A will is not simply a distribution of assets; it is a final expression of what mattered most. For many Christian families, what matters most is not found in possessions, but in the life of faith that sustained them. It is found in the parish that became a second home—the church where prayers were whispered in uncertainty, where marriages were celebrated, where children were baptized, and where hope was renewed week after week. These sacred places accompany us through every season of life. They form us, anchor us, and remind us that we belong—not because we are perfect, but because we are loved. When we think about legacy in that light, a will becomes more than a document. It becomes an opportunity to continue that story. Some families choose to include their parish in their will, treating it as they would a beloved member of the family. In doing so, they help ensure that the same spiritual home that shaped their lives will remain for future generations—families they may never meet, but who will one day walk through those same doors searching for peace, guidance, and belonging. This kind of giving is not about recognition. It is about gratitude, expressed in a lasting and meaningful way. Each of us has been the beneficiary of those who came before us—individuals who quietly gave so that our parishes could thrive today. Through thoughtful planning, we each have the opportunity to do the same. As you consider your own plans, I invite you to reflect not only on what you will leave behind, but on what you want to continue. Faith, community, and the enduring presence of the Church are gifts worth sustaining. That is the true heart of legacy.

Tailored Gift Planning | Endowments Donor Advised Funds 260-399-1436 | ccfnei.org Write a Will

Write a Will at Cancer Services Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Warsaw, IN Thursday, Oct. 22, 1-6 p.m., Fort Wayne, IN Writing your Will isn’t about dying. It’s about taking care of the people and causes you love.

When you hear the word “estate” you may think of a large home on a rambling piece of land, something only wealthy people have. An estate is a person’s collection of accumulated assets like real estate, cars, and cash, meaning you likely have an estate of your own. A Will is an important legal document that tells your family what to do with your estate when the time comes. Regardless of your financial means, a charitable gift included in your Will is the largest gift you will ever make to a cause you care about.

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana is a local nonprofit serving people with cancer, and we treat gifts from Wills with care. These sizeable gifts can be added to an endowment, with the principal remaining intact while Cancer Services uses the income to advance the mission. You can earmark your gift to support a service close to your heart – such as making sure every person has a compassionate advocate walking alongside them, help paying for cancer-related bills, or practical things like wigs and walkers. Finally, your gift can be unrestricted, allowing Cancer Services to apply the funds to the greatest need. Cancer Services encourages everyone to think ahead and be prepared by participating in the 2026 Write a Will event. Catherine S. Christoff, JD, Cum Laude, with Christoff & Christoff Attorneys will offer her expertise at no cost to you. Catherine will meet with you one-on-one and create a simple Will. The only requirement is you include a charitable gift in your Will. While we hope you will consider making a gift to Cancer Services, you may give to any charitable cause close to your heart. Please call Jessica Misserbiev at (260) 484-9560 or email JMisserbiev@cancer-services.org to schedule an appointment to prepare your Will.

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When it comes to your legacy, the biggest step you can take is the one you take today. This October, as Lutheran Life Villages inches closer to our 100th anniversary serving the senior population in Northeast Indiana, we highlight Write a Will Week — a reminder that estate planning is for everyone, at any stage of life.

A will ensures your wishes are honored, your family is protected, and your values endure for generations. We invite you to secure your own legacy while helping us write our next century of service. You are never too young to plan ahead. Consider one of our employees in her twenties. By proactively creating her will and designating a portion of her estate to LLV, she proved that tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today. Her foresight helps us grow our impact, ensuring we are never limited by traditional care models, walls, and roofs, but defined by ideas that empower independence, wellness, and spiritual life.

For others, planning ahead anchors a lifetime of dedication. A long-standing team member recently updated her will. Having witnessed our mission firsthand, her forward-thinking gift helps LLV serve as an expression of Christ’s love. By taking action today, she is investing in sustainability—transforming us into a widely valued community asset worthy of the community's time, talents, and gifts for generations to come.

Finally, a beloved resident solidified her commitment to our future by arranging a legacy gift in her will. Her choice to plan ahead helps us solidify our role as the leading nonprofit organization that families, professionals, and fellow senior organizations seek out for partnerships, advice, and leadership. After nearly a century of service, LLV continues to grow its impact on older adults and their families. Through that, we want to assist you in creating or updating the blueprint to your legacy. We have partnered with local estate-planning attorneys who are donating their time to help you create or update a simple will during Write a Will Week. See details in our advertisement on page 7. Take advantage of this opportunity to plan ahead, protect your loved ones, and join us on our journey.

tailored gift planning | endowments | donor advised funds

Leave a Legacy of Compassion During Write a Will Week Many people think wills are only for those who have a lot of money. That is simply not true. Every adult should have a will, no matter their age, income, or net worth. A will helps make sure your wishes are known, protects the people you love, and can make things much easier for your family during a difficult time. This October, Stillwater Hospice is participating in Write a Will Week to help community members take this important step. Volunteer attorneys will be available at Stillwater Hospice to help individuals create or update a simple will. Participants who choose to include a charitable bequest to a nonprofit organization can have a basic will prepared at no charge.

As you write your will, consider caring for the Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries you love, so faith can be nurtured for generations to come. START PLANNING NOW

Grow the legacy your faith inspires. 2 6 0 - 3 9 9 - 1 4 3 6 | w w w. cc f n e i . o r g

A charitable bequest is a gift that is made through your will. It allows you to support causes that matter to you without affecting your finances today. You can choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or other assets. For those who choose to include Stillwater Hospice in their estate plans, the impact can be felt for years to come. As a nonprofit hospice, Stillwater depends on community support to provide compassionate care, grief services, caregiver support, and other programs for families throughout northeast Indiana. Legacy gifts help ensure that this care remains available for future generations.

Corporate Office P.O. Box 188 206 S. Main St. • Milford, IN 46542 574-658-4111 • Fax: 800-886-3796

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NEWSPAPERS • PRINTING

Donors who remember Stillwater Hospice in their wills are also welcomed into Josephine's Society, a special group that recognizes individuals who have made a commitment to the future of hospice care in our community. ZZZ WKHPXQLFLSDO FRP

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If you have been putting off creating a will, now is the perfect time to act. Write a Will Week makes the process easy and affordable while giving you the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. To schedule an appointment with a participating attorney, contact Kaitlin Sanders-Krieger at Stillwater Hospice today by calling (260) 435-3252 or emailing KaitlinSanders-Krieger@stillwater-hospice. org. Protect your loved ones, honor your wishes, and help ensure compassionate care for generations to come.

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Write a Will

Leave a lasting legacy Join us for Write a Will Week, Oct. 19-21 and take a meaningful step toward securing your legacy—while supporting a cause close to your heart. Local attorneys are volunteering their time to help you create or update a simple will, free of charge. In return, you’re invited to consider a charitable gift to Stillwater Hospice. Including Stillwater Hospice in your will ensures that compassionate care, comfort, and guidance continue for families across northeast Indiana—regardless of their ability to pay. Every legacy gift helps us provide expert care and grief support when it’s needed most. For 138 years, Stillwater Hospice has walked alongside individuals and families during life’s most difficult moments. Your planned gift helps continue that mission for generations to come.

Write a Will Week at Stillwater Hospice will take place in the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center: Oct. 19-21. To learn more or schedule a 30-minute will-writing appointment, please email KaitlinSanders-Krieger@Stillwater-Hospice.org or call (260) 435-3222. Please note: appointments are limited. 5910 Homestead Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46814

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