Skip to Main Content

Leaving an Impact on the Community

Dana and Sandy Saxten

Dana and Sandy Saxten

Sandy Saxten was the co-founder of TS Restaurants, a company with prime locations in California and Hawaii including Jake's Del Mar. Sandy passed away in 2014, and although he leaves a legacy in the local restaurant industry, he had an even more profound impact with a nonprofit that was near and dear to his heart: The YMCA.

Heritage Club members Dana and Sandy Saxten's involvement with the YMCA began in 1987 when Sandy joined the board of management at the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA. "Sandy's wisdom drove the execution of many great achievements including the capital campaign for the gymnasium, skate park and other projects," says board member Jim Benedict.

Sandy went on to join the board at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, located in one of the most impoverished areas of San Diego, where he was instrumental in building up the board and launching a capital campaign to fund a brand new facility. "He had the big picture view of what was going on and a tremendous penchant for customer service," says Michael Brunker, executive director of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. "He was always willing to be the first one in and the last one out to make sure things were done the right way."

Thanks to the Saxtens' generosity and leadership, the new Jackie Robinson Family YMCA facility is scheduled for completion in 2017 and will have a profound impact on the community it serves for generations to come! Thank you Saxten family!

Help Build a Strong Community
By including the YMCA of San Diego County in your estate plans, you can join Sandy in making a lasting impact in our community. Contact Courtney Cordero at (858) 292-9622 or [email protected] to learn more.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to the YMCA of San Diego County 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 to the YMCA of San Diego County, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 3708 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

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 YMCA 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 YMCA 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 YMCA 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 YMCA where you agree to make a gift to the YMCA 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.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address