Planned Gift Reflects Couple's Passion for Works on Paper
Art is a long-time interest of Aj and Susana (Susi) Watson. They have been members of the Crocker Art Museum for more than 20 years, during which time they've made donations to various campaigns.
Recently, the Watsons retired from their respective careers and, with some input from their financial advisor, decided it was time to review their estate plans. About the same time, they became aware of two things happening at the Crocker that led them to include the Museum in their plans. First, through presentations by the Museum's Associate Curator, William Breazeale, they learned more about the Museum's unique and important collection of works on paper and the new Works on Paper Study Center being planned for the expanded building. Second, they were invited to and attended one of the Crocker's Planned Giving Seminars.
"It was an easy decision to include a part of our estate as a legacy to the Crocker," Aj said. "The seminar was a good place to learn more about ways to include the Museum in our long-term plans," added Susi. "It helped us realize that we wanted our plans to include both a bequest as part of our wills and also to make some major gifts during our lifetime." They continued by saying, "The Crocker has greatly enriched our lives. We hope our contributions will help the Museum to continue enriching the lives of others long after we're gone."
The Watson's planned gifts will support the Crocker's Drawings and Prints Collection, enabling the ongoing study, care and exhibition of the Museum's world-renowned master drawings and other works on paper. "We chose an area where we could make a difference. We'd like to see this collection preserved and more people made aware of its significance," said Susi. The two concluded by saying that part of their dream is that others will join in supporting the museum. "If we can make a difference, others can too. We hope others will take advantage of the seminars to leave similar legacies."
For more information regarding estate plans that include the Crocker, contact the Development Office at (916) 808-7843 or development@crockerart.org.