The Thurmont Lions Club Foundation:

What Does the Foundation Do?

The foundation provides funding for all Thurmont Lions Club Projects such as PreSchool Vision Screening, Thurmont Health Fair, Catoctin High School Scholarships, Easter Egg Hunt, Maryland Medical Eye Bank, and the Trolley Trail Restoration. The foundation also provides financial assistance related to medical necessities, e.g., assistance for the Barry Glass family and acquisition of Callie's Van.

The funding for the foundation is obtained from donations, Lion Club fund-raising activities, and, in limited cases, grants. The Lions Club fund-raising activities include sandwich sales and Christmas tree sales. Note that all profits from Lions Club fund-raising activities are used to fund projects through the Foundation. The operating expenses of the Thurmont Lions Club are provided directly by the members. A list of some of these projects and activites is available here.

Why Was the Foundation Established?

The TLC Foundation was created in 2000 to make it easier for financial donors to contribute to the work performed by the Thurmont Lions Club. To start the foundation off right, J. Brian Gaeng, President of Fredericktown Bank and Trust presented a very generous gift to purchase a camera and some supplies for the Preschool Vision Screening program. The Foundation operates as a financially independent extension of the Club and is registered as an IRS code 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated exclusively to raise private support for charitable purposes. All donations to the Foundation are fully tax deductible.

Donations and Bequests Needed!!

Donations: If you would like to support the work of the Thurmont Lions Club, you can make a tax-deductible donation by mailing a tax-deductible check or money order to the Thurmont Lions Club Foundation at:

TLC Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 306
Thurmont MD 21788.

Bequests: We welcome gifts provided through wills or revocable living trusts. Such bequests or gifts (collectively referred to as "estate gifts") are completed only at the death of the donor and/or a surviving beneficiary - your assets remain under your control during your lifetime. All documents conveying estate gifts, including wills, trust agreements, and beneficiary designations, should name the "TLC Foundation, Inc." as the recipient. Estate gifts to the TLC Foundation are free of federal estate taxes.

We encourage you to consult with a qualified professional advisor to determine whether the information presented here may be useful to you, as we neither intend nor attempt to render legal, tax, or financial advice.

While most gifts come in the form of cash via check, many will likely find that time spent considering WHAT to give as well as WHEN and HOW to structure their contributions can help them make more meaningful gifts while meeting personal planning goals as well. It can be gratifying to know that a portion of your property will be put to good use after you no longer need it. Gifts from an estate to the TLC Foundation are free of federal estate taxes.

A gift made by will or living trust can be simple to arrange. A provision or amendment prepared by your attorney at the time you make or update your will or trust is all that is necessary. Gifts via wills and living trusts are popular because they are easy to arrange and may be changed at any time you choose.

Ways to Give through Wills and Trusts:
  • Give only the remainder, or residue, of your estate—that is, what remains after all other bequests to friends and loved ones are satisfied.
  • Designate that a percentage of your estate be given through your will or living trust.
  • Leave a specific dollar amount. A gift of a particular amount may be designated for general use or for a special purpose you discuss with a representative of the TLC Foundation.
  • Provide for a gift of a specific property. Stocks and bonds are examples of properties the TLC Foundation can receive as charitable bequests.
  • Arrange a trust as part of your estate plan to provide income to a loved one, with an eventual gift to the TLC Foundation after that person's lifetime or another period of time you choose.
  • Name the TLC Foundation to receive a contingent bequest in the event other heirs are not there to receive their legacies.
There is currently no limit on amounts deductible from federal gift and estate taxes for charitable gifts made by will or trust, so no tax will be due on assets given in this way.

To plan a bequest to the TLC Foundation, please use our Bequest Gift Language document (PDF). We also suggest you inform your attorney of your wishes and ask for advice regarding the best form for your gift.

If you would like additional information about the Foundation or about possible gifts to the Foundation, please contact the Thurmont Lions Club at the address above or e-mail us.

Thank You So Much for Considering A Gift to the Thurmont Lions Club Foundation!