Donor Advocates for Key Issues

(Planned Giving, Lung Health News, Spring/Summer 2008)

Betty Toole is a strong advocate for smoke-free living and healthy air. That’s why she has included the American Lung Association of California in her living trust.

“I can remember a time when I couldn’t even go out to eat without breathing in cigarette smoke,” she says. “But now restaurants and bars are smoke-free, and I credit the American Lung Association. I have been an anti-tobacco advocate for a long time.”

About five years ago, the Mill Valley resident was able to take her activism to the next level by joining the American Lung Association of California’s Action Network. The association alerts her by e-mail when action is needed on a particular piece of legislation and she responds – along with hundreds of other Network members – by sending letters or signing petitions that go directly to elected representatives.

“Securing legislation that reduces tobacco use or air pollution is a very effective way to improve public health,” Toole says. “I am a strong supporter of the American Lung Association’s advocacy work.”

She attends the association’s annual Capitol Lobby Day almost every year and enjoys learning more about the issues and the legislative process when she attends. “It also gives me the chance to network with others who share my concerns and meet with some of the legislators and their staff,” she says.

Toole is a retired educational evaluator and author who wrote the widely acclaimed “Ada: The Enchantress of Numbers,” a combination biography and collection of letters from the “mother of computer programming.” It is the story of Ada Byron, daughter of the illustrious poet Lord Byron. She was a mathematician and scientist who is largely credited with writing the first computer program in 1843.

“When I looked around and really considered where I wanted to leave my money, the biggest factor was effectiveness,” Toole says. “When I considered the American Lung Association of California, I saw an organization that is tremendously effective.”

Interested in Planned Giving?

There are a variety of ways you can donate to your American Lung Association. Gifts of appreciated assets can eliminate or postpone the payment of capital gains while gift annuities can earn income and reduce taxes. Find a plan that’s right for you. For more information, call your nearest association at 800.LUNG.USA (800.586.4872).