Planned Giving
“When I stop working, I’ll come to WISE for lunch—for the sense of community, and to learn mahjong.” — Gleam Davis, Former Mayor of Santa Monica and Planned Giving Donor
She Came Back for Her Parents. Now She’s Giving for Others.
Gleam Davis had a thriving career at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. She had every reason to stay. But when her parents began to get older, she made a choice many adult children face — and came home. That decision eventually led her to Wise & Healthy Aging, where she served on the board and saw firsthand how connection, dignity, and practical support can transform the lives of older adults.
Why WISE Matters?
Early in her career, Gleam saw the serious effects of loneliness and isolation while working as a 411 information operator and answering calls from seniors who would call simply to hear a human voice. Years later, she watched a widowed friend who became isolated after his wife’s death rediscover connection through daily lunches at WISE.
“He had lunch with people who saw him and knew him,” she says. “He was genuinely saved by that community.”
Click here for the Planned Giving brochure.
A Gift for Whatever Comes Next
Later, when Gleam began considering a planned gift, she assumed it would require significant wealth or a complicated estate plan. Then she learned she could name WISE as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
“It was a way to leave money to a cause I believed in without worrying about complications,” she says. “You don’t have to be wealthy. You just have to care.”
Gleam chose to make her gift flexible so WISE can use it where it is needed most in the future. Her message to others is simple:
“Think about the services you would want for your parents—and for yourself as you grow older. WISE makes sure people have support, respect, and someone in their corner.”
Consider a Planned Gift to WISE
A gift through your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy can help ensure that older adults and family caregivers continue to receive connection, advocacy, and compassionate support for generations to come.
Planned gifts may also provide tax or financial benefits.
Learn more: wiseandhealthyaging.org/planned-giving-overview
Contact:
Maureen McComsey, Director of Development
mmccomsey@wiseandhealthyaging.org
(310) 394-9871, ext. 287