Originally published at Orange County Catholic
FOR GENE AND JUDY, a blind date at a drive-in theater more than 65 years ago led to marriage and family. It was a second “blind date”—or rather an unexpected visit from a priest and The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) that reinforced their New Year’s resolution to “get serious” about philanthropy in 2024.
Motivated by the decline in faith in society and the desire to bring others to Christ, the couple, who attends Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in San Clemente, recently named their parish and OCF as beneficiaries on their Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
GENE AND JUDY, SURROUNDED BY LOVE AND LAUGHTER, CAPTURED IN A HEARTFELT MOMENT AT A FAMILY CELEBRATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF GENE AND JUDY
Gene said it just made sense: “If the 10% tithing guideline is good enough while you’re alive, then why not use it as a guideline when you die?” (Leviticus 27:30, Genesis 28:20–22)
Gene, confirmed Catholic in 2021, and Judy, a Mater Dei High School alumna, also chose this charitable path to avoid income tax consequences for their loved ones.
He stated, “If you are in an estate tax situation when you leave your IRAs to your family, they are double
