A $1 million gift from Beaumont City Councilman Mike Getz has established a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) that will provide philanthropic support in memory of his late wife and longtime Jefferson County Tax Assessor, Allison Nathan Getz.
During a press conference at Lamar University, Jan. 17, Getz announced that six local Southeast Texas organizations will benefit from the CRUT, including Beaumont Children’s Museum, Garth House, Lamar University, Southeast Texas Tennis Association, Symphony of Southeast Texas, and Temple Emanuel.
“This generous commitment will ensure that Allison and Mike’s legacy endures permanently at Lamar University, where they have been important members of the Cardinal community for so many years,” Lamar University Associate Vice President for University Advancement Jeff Spoeri said. “We are deeply honored that Mike has included Lamar University among the causes and institutions that he has chosen to support through this charitable trust.”
Allison Nathan Getz was a steadfast supporter of Lamar University and a patron of the arts. Her philanthropy began with her first donation to the university in 1994, and has since benefited the LU College of Fine Arts and Communication and LU Athletics. She served on the Friends of the Arts Board, and Mike Getz said one of the highlights of her life was chairing the Le Grand Bal fundraiser at LU in 2013.
Getz also announced at the press conference that he has established the Allison and Michael Getz Scholarship for the Fine Arts, a $15,000 scholarship endowment for LU undergraduate and graduate students majoring in fine arts.
“Philanthropic giving to Lamar University through trusts, wills, and other financial planning vehicles, is an excellent way to establish a perpetual legacy, provide much needed charitable support, and perhaps realize some present-day tax benefits as well,” Spoeri said. “Often, donors can maximize their giving and have a far greater impact through their estate than they might otherwise be able to do using current income or assets.”