Jewish Community Partners

In their wills, Hedi and Curt Ward (z” l) worked with the Jewish Foundation of Memphis to create charitable estate gifts that fund winners of Memphis Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Art and Essay Contest, including this year’s 1^st place winner, Adriana Canady, pictured here with her winning submission.

By Laura Linder, CEO, Jewish Community Partners

When I first met Hedi and Curt Ward in 2007, they were interested in supporting Temple Israel in a meaningful way.  Both expressed how much they valued Temple’s teen education programs and that they were hopeful they could help ensure they continue.  With a little work and consultation with Temple staff, a fund was created that would provide an annual grant to Temple in perpetuity.

Over the years I got to know Curt and Hedi well.  And after Hedi passed away in 2007, my relationship with Curt continued, until his death at age 104 in 2022. Over those years, we had many conversations – some including their professional advisors – and one thing became certain: he cared deeply about our Jewish community and giving back to it was very important.

Due to careful planning on Curt’s part, he was able to take care of his family AND take care of the community through a carefully crafted estate plan. One of the most notable gifts was the creation of an endowment fund in memory of his sister and her family who perished in the Holocaust.  The Kaethe Mela Memorial Fund distributes an annual grant that is utilized to provide cash awards to the winners of Memphis Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Art and Essay Contest. This annual program is open to middle school students across the region.

As this example shows, planning for the future, even the far-off future, can bring incredible peace of mind and ensure your wishes are truly honored.

We’ve all heard the horror stories of people who passed away before leaving written legal wills. From rock legends to royalty, countless celebrities left behind tangled estates because they “didn’t get around to it.” Think about Memphis native and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, whose multi-million dollar estate became a legal quagmire for her family simply because she passed without a will. Or there’s Jewish comic book writer Stan Lee, creator of iconic superheroes like Spider-Man and Iron Man, who died in 2018 without writing a will. His daughter, with whom he had a public fallout, eventually inherited most of his $50 million fortune.

You might be thinking: wills are for the wealthy or for older people. The truth is, life can be unpredictable, so if you have anything you care about – your family, your pets, your cherished possessions, or even those special causes that light up your heart – you need a will. It’s the ultimate act of kindness for those you leave behind.

Here’s why you need a will: wills clearly state your wishes. Without a will, state laws decide who gets what. And their default plan might not align with your desires. A will ensures your assets go to the people and organizations you choose.

They are the best way to protect your loved ones. If you have children under eighteen, a will is where you name a guardian to care for them. Imagine the stress and uncertainty your family would face without this crucial decision already made. It also helps prevent disputes and potential family drama over your belongings.

Finally, and importantly, wills help you leave a lasting legacy. Your will isn’t just about distributing assets; it’s an opportunity to continue making a difference for the causes you champion. Whether it’s supporting education, feeding the hungry, or investing in the future of our Jewish community, a charitable bequest in your will ensures your values live on.

This is where the Jewish Foundation of Memphis steps in as your resource. We have partnered with hundreds of families to create their charitable legacies and are well-versed in all aspects of planned charitable gifts. 

Daily, our team is helping individuals and families create lasting legacies for the Jewish community and beyond. Think of us as your partner in crafting a charitable giving plan that truly reflects your values.

We can assist you and your advisors in a variety of ways. Depending on your goals, we can show you how simple it is to include a charitable bequest in your will. You can designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even the remainder of your estate after other distributions. We work with you and your professional advisors (like your attorney or financial planner) to ensure your charitable wishes are seamlessly integrated into your overall estate plan, often with tax-wise benefits.

By partnering with the Jewish Foundation, you ensure your generosity continues to support the causes you care about for generations to come. Like with the meaningful fund created by Hedi and Curt Ward, we help steward these funds responsibly, ensuring they make the greatest impact. We can help you identify and connect with organizations within the Jewish community and beyond that align with your philanthropic passions, ensuring your gifts go exactly where you intend.

So, as August rolls around, take a moment to consider what truly matters to you. It’s not about being morbid; it’s about being thoughtful, proactive, and ensuring your legacy is one of clarity and purpose. Don’t leave your loved ones (or your favorite charities!) in a state of “what ifs.” Reach out to the Jewish Foundation of Memphis at JFOM@jcpmemphis.org. We’re here to help you turn those good intentions into a powerful, lasting plan – and give you and your family the peace of mind you deserve.