Planned Giving

Those words encouraged Marilyn to take full advantage of the many opportunities Northrop afforded her and, more recently, convinced her and her husband, Bill Ryerse, to give back to The Blake School. They have named Blake and three other institutions as beneficiaries in their charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT).

Bill and Marilyn chose the CRUT because it benefited everyone involved. As charitable donors, they decreased their income taxes, and by using appreciated securities to create the trust, capital gains taxes were avoided. The charitable organizations will receive critically needed financial support.

For Marilyn and Bill, as for many others, the decision to give to The Blake School was based on their gratitude for the benefits a Blake education has provided their family. Marilyn feels blessed to have served in leadership positions, such as class president and chairman of the Crosby Committee, in the days when few women assumed leadership roles. And Bill is grateful to have not only married a Northrop alumna but to have been raised by a mother who also was an alumna.

Marilyn and Bill strongly believe in the benefits of private education, including small classes that allow every student to become actively engaged in all areas of study. Therefore, it was not a hard decision to send their three children to the School. When their second child was ready to attend Blake, however, the Ryerses needed financial assistance. Marilyn and Bill never forgot the help they received. As a show of gratitude, Marilyn and Bill have directed their gift to Blake’s financial aid program so that other worthy families will have the ability to give their children the same opportunities—something that no one can take away.

2003


Copyright © The Blake School, All rights reserved.