United Way of Northern Arizona — Retired, But Still Stepping Up

Many supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona and its mission first learned about UWNA through a workplace campaign. After hearing about the work UWNA does, they chose to make a donation, often through an automatic payroll deduction.

We are grateful many choose to continue their support after they retire from the workforce.

People like Susanna Maxwell and Barry Lutz, a couple who began giving to UWNA more than three decades ago through workplace campaigns at Northern Arizona University. Although they both retired in 2010, that hasn’t slowed down their support.

In fact, for years the couple has been part of the Summit Society, donors whose annual gift is $500 or more. They says they feel their donation is an investment in the community.

“When we find an organization that we think is doing a good job, we both feel we should give more than just a token; we want to be able to help make a real difference,” said Barry.

He noted that they do not restrict their gift to specific programs, trusting that UWNA will respond to the ever-changing needs of residents in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties in the best way possible.

“The priorities for communities change over the years,” he said. “We were both in administrative roles long enough to understand the need to have flexibility.”

In addition to their financial support, Barry and Susanna have also given their time. They are past Summit Society campaign chairs and for several years Susanna was on the UWNA Board of Directors.

“I had the opportunity to see the operation from the inside and the integrity with which it operates,” said Maxwell. “It never occurred to us that once we retired, we would stop our commitment because it’s a commitment to the community.”

She added that their confidence in the positive impact of UWNA in the community led them to include UWNA in their estate planning. (For more information about planned giving, please see the article below.)

Many thanks to retirees like Barry and Susanna who are making long-term commitments to Step Up for Our Community through their support of United Way.

Although donations made today immediately sustain our mission (and are very much appreciated), planned giving allows donors more flexibility and greater tax benefits than

a cash gift of equivalent value.

Methods such as naming United Way of Northern Arizona as a beneficiary in your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy or other financial instrument allows you to support the causes and community that you love and sustain them in the future.

We would be happy to meet with you or your professional advisors to explore the many options for planned giving. If you are interested in turning your gift into a meaningful legacy, please contact Carol Dykes via email or by calling 928.773.9813.