During her career as an ampoule operator for narcotics at McNeil Laboratories, Trudi Prath was famous for clearing the snow off of her coworkers’ cars in the winter. She has modeled her life on assisting others, which now include the children of the Masonic Children’s Home.
“I enjoy helping future generations,” Trudi said, “watching kids thrive, enjoy their lives and become upstanding citizens.”
Trudi’s passion for the children’s home also stems from her late husband’s desire to help children.
Trudi’s husband, John, who was an active Mason for many decades, worked as a detective.
“When children would get into serious trouble, he was the person they asked for,” Trudi said.
John had the ability to coach troubled children and to communicate with them clearly and with passion and understanding. In their neighborhood, John was also the go-to person for all the children who needed help fixing their bikes and with other various tasks.
For Trudi, investing in the children at the children’s home is her way of passing on John’s legacy.
“We had a beautiful marriage,” Trudi recalled. “We did a lot of traveling, and we loved our family.”
She still laughs when she thinks of John’s response when someone would ask him to get together or help them with something. “I’ll have to ask the bride,” he’d say.
The two had 64 years together and were proud of their four children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
“We both just enjoyed kids and strongly believed in helping others,” Trudi said.
Trudi has decided to support the children’s home with a charitable gift annuity (CGA). A CGA is an agreement between a donor and their charity of choice whereby the donor transfers cash or property to the charity in exchange for a partial tax deduction and a lifetime stream of annual income from the charity.
“It’s a great way to get income and support your favorite charity,” Trudi said. “I know I can count on my regular deposit, and the tax deduction was also helpful at tax time.”
Trudi’s decision to set up a CGA turned out to be a mutually beneficial proposition. She is able to ensure children in need receive the second chance at life that they deserve while providing a constant and reliable income stream to help her with monthly expenses.
“It enables me to help others while helping myself,” Trudi said.
As a supporter of the children’s home, she’s looking forward to attending next year’s Youth Appreciation Day. She is excited to hear from the children as they graduate from the program, and she will see first-hand how much her support impacts the children’s day-to-day lives.
“I want the world to be a better place,” she said.
If Trudi’s story inspires you to consider a CGA, call the Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 1-800-599-6454 or email giving@masonicvillages.org to speak with a gift planner in your area who can answer your questions and provide you with a rate.