Don and Sandy Gill are special people who have dedicated their lives to family and community for over five decades. Born in Long Beach, they were active in their respective high schools, Wilson and Poly. (Interestingly, Sandy’s father was in the Navy when she was born and arranged her baptism aboard the USS Saratoga, stationed in the Long Beach harbor.) Don graduated from Occidental College with a business/finance degree, was hired by Bank of America and later assigned as a loan officer at First and Pine Avenue. As fate would have it, Sandy (Hicks) came to work there. They married in 1955 and have been an inseparable couple ever since. Their children, Kim Cignale, Alison King and Tony Gill, will tell you that civic duty, volunteering and philanthropy have been an important part of family life, which now extends to their grandchildren, Jessica, Maggie, Kiley and Ciana.

The list of organizations enhanced by the leadership and creative skills of this twosome would fill most of this Mercury. Don credits much of his enthusiasm for civic and charity activity to the Long Beach Jr. Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). Inspired by their creed, he carved out time from his busy work and family life to be the president, chair, advisor, board member, and auctioneer for key organizations that make our community a better place to live. Simultaneously, Sandy was raising children and still finding time to share her boundless energy and creativity with valued charities. In the world of design, Sandy is an entrepreneur, consultant and volunteer. As 1967 Chairman of Rick Rackers (Jr. Auxiliary of Assistance League), she helped initiate the Ala Carte (helping children through art) Program at Miller Children’s Hospital. Since then, Rick Racker volunteers have brightened days for hundreds of children. This couple “talks the talk” and “walks the walk” of service to humanity.
*Last line of the Jaycee Creed by Bill Brownfield

CHARITABLE REMAINDER ANNUITY TRUST Don held executive positions in banking, real estate and government and in not-for-profit organizations, which provided knowledge about the benefits of charitable gift planning. He knew that a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) is good for mature adults, so he and Sandy funded two at the MMCF. Don says, “A CRAT provides a stable income plus several income, gift and estate tax benefits (instant deduction for the charitable remainder; avoidance of capital gains tax on sale; income on full untaxed asset value; deduction from valuation of estate) and knowledge that funds remaining will be used for legitimate charitable uses.” Don endorses the expertise of Jim Normandin, MMCF president, who can assist you in determining if a CRAT will benefit your financial plan. Contact Jim at 562.933.1667, jnormandin@memorialcare.org or Julie Heggeness, JD, at 562.933.1669, jheggeness@memorialcare.org.