The Land and Water Society is the LGLC’s legacy society, celebrating those who include the LGLC in their estate planning. It can be through a simple bequest, by naming the LGLC as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy or retirement fund, or one of many other options available. The gift can be large or small, and its benefits will continue long after one’s lifetime.

From now until November 30th, 2022 the Smiths will donate $5,000 to the LGLC for every new legacy pledge received, regardless of method, amount or designation, up to a total of $300,000. For those who wish to include a specific dollar amount with their pledge that is above $5,000, they will match that amount.

The details of a pledge can be kept anonymous, or a donor may choose to let the LGLC know the details of their intentions. Upon receipt, a legacy gift will be used according to the donor’s wishes, as specified at the time of their pledge. The Smith’s match will be added to the Virginia Rowan Smith Endowment, which helps the LGLC with current and future capital projects.

Virginia Rowan Smith is a member of the LGLC’s Advisory Board, a trustee emeritus and a champion of LGLC’s legacy program.

“Our family has been active in the Lake George Land Conservancy for many years because we want to make sure that what we experienced as children will also be here for our children and all future generations,” said Mrs. Smith. “Estate planning is one of the most powerful ways to do this. The gift can be large or small. And its benefits will continue long after one’s lifetime.

“After the great success of our last Challenge, Manning and I decided to repeat the offer and encourage even more folks to join the LGLC’s planned giving society. When I talk with others who have joined this Society, I always sense a feeling of accomplishment, and a feeling of pride that no matter what decisions they make going forward in terms of life’s priorities, they have created a legacy for Lake George.”

The Smiths presented their first challenge in 2020, which ultimately exceeded their offer and resulted in a total of $406,000 in matching funds for the LGLC’s Virginia Rowan Smith Endowment Fund, income from which provides annual support for important land acquisition projects in the watershed that protect the water quality of Lake George.

LGLC Executive Director Michael Horn said, “The generosity of Ginny and Manning in supporting the LGLC’s work of permanently protecting the land that protects the Lake is a true gift to the entire community. Establishing a legacy gift through the LGLC’s Land and Water Society is the perfect way for anyone interested in making their own permanent impact toward keeping Lake George the natural wonder that it is and remarkably with the opportunity to double one’s impact.”

To be included in this challenge, pledges must be received by November 30, 2022. Those wishing to participate in the challenge may make their pledge online or by downloading a paper copy and mailing it to the LGLC. These options and more information are at lglc.org/land-and-water-society. Questions and comments may be directed to Helen Barton Benedict, LGLC’s development manager, at 518-644-9673 or hbartonbenedict@lglc.org.

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