Another academic year has successfully been completed. 23 seniors graduated on Saturday, May 22nd. We’re proud of each and every one of them and wish them well as they head to college. We hope everyone is enjoying summer and has an opportunity for some rest and relaxation. I would like to remind everyone that Homecoming 2010 is scheduled for October 8-9. We need your help to make it a success. Please consider joining the planning committee, or helping in any way you can.

We have raised over $1,000,000 this fiscal year, and there are still a few weeks to go!! Please consider a tax-deductible gift today. Your gift can be restricted; meaning it will be used for a project near and dear to your heart, (athletics, academics, museum, etc.), or, you can designate your gift as unrestricted, allowing the Academy to use the funds where needed. Many alumni, family, and friends of ORMA have stepped up and made generous donations, and we are truly grateful. It is only through your continued support that we are able to offer a first-rate educational experience for the cadets.

ORMA 500 Club…..Please consider becoming a member. We’re looking for 500 people to donate $1,000 each in an effort to raise $500,000. We will recognize donors in a special way, either through a lapel pin or other defining memento. To ensure proper credit is given, please place “500 Club” in the memo of your check. We already have several members, and look forward to adding many more. Please check out the website for an up-to-date listing of club members.

5th Annual “Bid for the Ridge”…..The Academy’s annual silent and live auction went very well. We raised $15,300; and, more importantly, were able to meet with many movers and shakers in the Oak Ridge community who are beginning to show marked support for the success of ORMA. We want to thank everyone who made this event a success, especially Stan and Traci Kowalewski for allowing us into their home and hosting the event. The list of supporters is a long one; seems to grow every year, and I am very thankful for that. It is only through this group effort from everyone; alumni, parents, family, friends, communities, etc. that we will continue to grow. For 2011, we plan to add an online auction, and return the event to campus. More information to follow. It’s never too early to consider donating an item to the auction.

Life Income Gifts: Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Trusts enable you to make a gift now but receive income payments for life or a period of years. You generally receive a partial tax deduction in the year of the gift. If funded with appreciated securities or property, you may also be able to reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes.

Deferred Gifts: You can arrange for a gift to be made at a future date, generally through your will, living trust, IRA or other retirement plan. Deferred gifts generally provide no current tax benefits but may reduce taxes paid by your estate and your heirs. We can help you decide what type of planned gift makes sense for you and work with you to make sure your gift is used as you wish.

Remember, when it comes to estate planning, there are several ESSENTIAL items to consider such as a Will, Revocable Living Trust, Living Will, and a Power of Attorney. Planning ahead ensures your wishes are fulfilled. Charitable giving to causes you hold near to your heart will occur only when you take steps to make it happen. No matter what you do, plan your affairs in writing.

The information in this Web site is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.

Respectfully,

Terrill

Terrill M. Sandiford
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
Oak Ridge Military Academy
(336) 643-4131, ext. 196 - office
(336) 314-1562 - mobile
(336) 643-1797 - fax
http://www.oakridgemilitary.com