Planned Giving Donor Profiles

Mary Therese & Kent Friel

Crowned Miss USA in 1979, Mary Therese Friel always wanted a dog. When she moved out on her own at the tender age of 17, one of the first things she did was head to Lollypop Farm. "I realized right then that all my dreams could be fulfilled through Lollypop Farm, and animals have been one of the mainstays of my happiness ever since."

She and her husband, Kent, owners of the Mary Therese Friel LLC, a comprehensive modeling agency based in Rochester, knew early on that they wanted to support Lollypop Farm. With most of their assets tied up in the business, they decided to make the Humane Society the beneficiary of their wills. “Animals can provide such peace, comfort, happiness and joy”, states Mary Therese. “We just want to make sure that other people can also experience that same joy.”

Joan & Lee Salmen

“I’ve been an animal lover all my life,” says Joan Salmen. A self-confessed “farm girl” at heart, Joan and her husband, Lee, adopted their first pet from Lollypop Farm over 30 years ago. “Princess” was a Shepherd/Collie mix and the love of their life. As a result, they eventually began to contribute financially to the organization that helped save Princess’ life. Joan also began volunteering in the Lollypop Shop and then with Lollypop’s Pet Assisted Therapy team.

But their travel schedule made it difficult and Joan really wanted to be able to make a lasting difference for the Humane Society. That’s when portrait — Joan & Lee Salmen she decided to establish a charitable remainder trust for Lollypop Farm. Together, Joan and Lee decided to give specific assets to the Humane Society once they both pass on. The trust offers substantial tax and other benefits for everyone involved — including Joan and Lee.

First, because the assets come out of their estate and into the trust, they are not subject to capital gains tax. The trust also establishes an income stream — 8% of the value of the trust — for the remainder of Joan’s life. Any interest earned over 8% goes to build the trust’s value.

The Salmen’s continue to contribute annually to Lollypop Farm, and thanks to their forward thinking, have left a legacy of love for the animals less fortunate than their own.

Marty Britt

"Lollypop has had a place in my heart and family for decades, as we have benefited from loving companions over the years. Whenever my heart was broken, new hope came my way via a cold wet nose and sloppy kisses. Each pet has taught me so much, and I wanted to find a way to give back to Lollypop for such wonderful memories.

"Without children to plan for, my dogs are my most precious legacy. When I was planning my estate, I was in frequent electronic communication with an attorney, but the first chance we had to talk live, he answered his phone with an enthusiastic “woof!” He recognized how important animals were in how I lived the present and planned for the future.

"As a board member, I know how responsibly Lollypop uses its donations to preserve and advance its mission of creating lifelong bonds between people and animals. I am honored to help the cause, both now and tomorrow, and know that donations from my estate will be put to good use."

Elizabeth Chase

Among many passions, Elizabeth H. Chase loves animals, cats especially! Known as Bette, she lived next door to her in-law’s farm on Middle Road in Henrietta where there was no shortage of cats. People would continually abandon them and Bette would see to it that they were fed, and later, spayed or neutered. Even feral cats found their way to her door.

So, when a financial advisor suggested setting up a Charitable Remainder Trust which would provide a fixed income for Mrs. Chase now and would benefit a charity upon her death, Bette immediately thought of the poor, abandoned cats she had cared for over the years and wanted one of her designees to be Lollypop Farm — in memory of a favorite cat, "Teensey Mae." She met with her financial advisor, an estate attorney, and an accountant to be sure she was doing the right thing for herself and for Lollypop Farm. Then, to be sure the monies would be used according to her specific wishes, she and her daughter met with staff members at Lollypop Farm and the Elizabeth H. Chase Feline Fund in memory of Teensey Mae Chase was established. In addition to the tax benefits and the fixed income provided to Mrs. Chase through the trust, she also has the satisfaction of knowing that her charitable gift will help the organizations near and dear to her heart, and her family will benefit from reduced estate taxes and the avoidance of probate.

At the time the trust transfers to Lollypop Farm, Bette’s wonderful gift will be used to help provide medical and spay/neuter services for cats, to help increase cat adoptions and address issues of overpopulation, and to reduce the abuse and suffering of cats through Lollypop Farm's Law Enforcement activities.

Gail Schilling

Gail has been passionate about animals all of her life. In fact, she remembers bringing countless stray dogs home as a child. She found homes for some and brought others to the shelter. "I believed that each one would wind up in a loving home. While we all know this was an ‘impossible dream’, so much has changed!" Gail cites Lollypop Farm’s work on behalf of local animals, dedicated staff, strategically planned and executed special events, exceptional facilities, and financial stability as reasons for deciding to include a bequest to the organization in her will. "I know the donation will be used wisely to help my best friends, the animals, long after I’m gone" says Schilling. Gail currently works part-time at Bryant & Stratton College. She is pictured with her husband Rick and her dogs Murphy and Ryan.

J. Gaven & Kathleen Hurley

Animal lovers to the core, J. Gaven Hurley, a member of the Pittsford Rotary, and Kathleen Bride Hurley, Professor of Harp at the Eastman School of Music, have had an animal organization in their wills for years. When they moved to Rochester from New Jersey, they knew they had to update their wills and immediately thought of Lollypop Farm. "We had adopted Macy from Lollypop Farm soon after moving here so we already had a great relationship…" states Gaven. "It was a no-brainer."

After losing Macy, Gaven & Kathleen adopted Luna, a Lab mix — and their relationship with Lollypop Farm continues to grow. Kathleen periodically donates household items that Lollypop Farm can always use, they’ve been to dog obedience classes with Luna, and Gaven recently joined Lollypop Farm’s Planned Giving Advisory Committee.

Gaven says it's their way of paying back the years of unconditional love pets have given them.