An Inspiration for Generations

Dr. D. Walter Cohen

Dr. D. Walter Cohen left a legacy to the AAP Foundation that will help advance the profession for generations.

Dr. D. Walter Cohen was a Philadelphia native who greatly advanced the specialty of periodontics. A legend in the specialty, he recently passed away at the age of 91.

As one of the founding fathers of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, Dr. Cohen served as a director for the Foundation for two terms before holding a permanent seat as an honorary director. He inspired a small group of periodontists to raise funds for the Dr. D. Walter Cohen Teaching Award, which is now an annual $10,000 award through the AAP Foundation.

According to the late Dr. Cohen, the best place to direct gifts to support the specialty is the AAP Foundation. He once said, "We have got to protect our specialty, and the Foundation is out there doing it. It's an investment in your own future as a periodontist as well as that of the specialty. I can't think of any other organization that is devoted to securing the future of periodontology more than the AAP Foundation." He supported this statement with a generous bequest to the AAP Foundation that will help ensure that his award will inspire periodontists for decades to come.

Dr. Cohen was a kind, generous leader who inspired countless people in his lifetime. His contributions to the field have come in the form of numerous awards and honors from all over the world. And now, after his lifetime, Dr. Cohen's bequest will allow the Foundation to carry on his legacy.

Create Your Professional Legacy

Let us help you create your own legacy at the AAP Foundation. To find the option that is right for you, contact Robert A. Vitas, PhD, CAE, CFRE at 312-573-3256 or bob@perio.org.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give and bequeath (dollar amount, percentage of estate, or the remainder of estate) to the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation (AAP Foundation), a qualified 501c(3) charitable organization, at 737 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611 to be used for its educational and research purposes. The Foundation's tax number is 36-3763801."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to the AAP Foundation or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to the AAP Foundation as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to the AAP Foundation as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and the AAP Foundation where you agree to make a gift to the AAP Foundation and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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