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Ronnie Bayduza and Greg Losito pose outside before an evening event

Ronnie Bayduza and Greg Losito have been avid supporters of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) for more than 12 years. Ronnie, a retired hospital administrator and Greg, a retired physicist, discovered GDB while living in the Bay Area for many years. They retired to the Tahoe area about six years ago.

They were drawn to GDB because of their dual passions: supporting veterans’ organizations and their love of animals, particularly dogs. “GDB’s history of supporting vets who are visually impaired and our soft spot for the amazing dogs GDB employs in its programs, was a unique and appealing combination for us,” shared Greg.

They became “hooked” on GDB after attending numerous holiday luncheons and hearing stories about clients who had graduated from the program. “Whether it was a guide dog graduate raising children, a graduate hiking the entire Appalachian trail, or a graduate navigating a college campus with their new guide, the grads exuded absolute joy. The power of the human-animal bond and these budding partnerships was in full display,” Ronnie said.

Ronnie and Greg were motivated to create a legacy gift that would continue to benefit GDB’s programs long after they were gone. After some research, Greg became interested in charitable remainder trusts (CRT). He was intrigued by the income and tax benefits of making such a gift and knew appreciated real estate they owned would be the perfect asset to fund their CRTs. Ronnie set up her own CRT first, with a highly appreciated rental property in Nevada, and Greg later followed with his own CRT, funding it with his half interest in their San Francisco home.

Greg describes their CRTs as a “win-win” for GDB and for them. “We were able to sell two highly appreciated properties tax free, receive a substantial charitable income tax deduction and have a stream of income for our lives. Plus, we no longer have to manage these properties.” In the end, they ended up with more money for their retirement and will leave “their mark” by passing on a very sizable gift to GDB.

Guide Dogs for the Blind is grateful to Greg and Ronnie for being inspired to make such meaningful gifts!

Explore the many ways you can leave a Legacy Gift to GDB with our Estate Planning Guide

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Categories: Donor Profile, Fundraising, Legacy Society