30 times the usual donation, 15% of your initial magazine purchase goes to the charity of your choice at no additional cost to you at smile.amazon.com. Now through January 31st, 2018. View additional details.
The below article was featured in the Rossford Record.
The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to reflect on your habits in giving to charities.
Doug Miller, president of the board for the Bulldog Foundation, is hoping that local residents will consider this organization that supports Rossford Schools.
“Planned gifts to the Bulldog Foundation can be an advantageous way to create a legacy for our community, while also meeting your own financial and personal goals,” he noted.
The Bulldog Foundation is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
It creates opportunities to enhance academic excellence for students attending Rossford Schools.
Currently, the foundation provides scholarships and classroom grants and is looking forward to “unlimited future possibilities,” Mr. Miller said.
Also serving on the Bulldog Foundation board are Rachel Linkous, Joseph Minarcin, Neil MacKinnon III, Rex Huffman, Joseph Schaller, Tim Yenrick, Jon Grimm and Kent Murphree.
Ed Reiter serves as an honorary board member and board advisor.
“They are dedicated to honoring tradition, reinforcing Bulldog pride and fostering potential,” Mr. Miller added.
The foundation board is eager to work with donors to accomplish good work in the community.
“Please let us know your plans,” he said. “We would like the opportunity to welcome you as a contributor and convey our appreciation.”
“We are currently working on an annual giving campaign, which will be launched soon.”
The proceeds of any gift can be unrestricted, allowing the foundation to meet the needs of Rossford Schools as they arise.
Or gifts can be restricted, providing a way for a donor to support a program or area in which they are particularly interested.
“As the economy improves and confidence grows, charitable giving is making a comeback,” Mr. Miller said. “Now is a great time for each of us to evaluate our own giving and consider new ways to support the causes we care about.”
Matt Skotynsky, financial advisor and RHS graduate, explained there are a variety of methods for charitable giving.
“Charitable gifts can play an important role in many estate plans,” he said.
“Philanthropy gives you great personal satisfaction, along with opportunities for a current income tax deduction, to avoid capital gains tax and to reduce the amount of taxes your estate may owe when you die.”
Making an outright gift - An outright donation is one that benefits the charity immediately and exclusively. It also can allow the donor to receive an immediate income and gift tax deduction.
“Participating in the new annual giving campaign will be perfect fit for this,” Mr. Skotynsky added.
Charitable bequest in a will - Your will is a written testimonial of your concern for family and loved ones.
“It also shows others what you value above all in life, especially being generous with the people and organizations that matter the most,” Mr. Skotynsky noted.
The simplest way to include the Bulldog Foundation in a will is to write: “I give the Bulldog Foundation the sum of ($ dollar amount or percentage) of the residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of its governing board.”
The foundation will receive the donation at the time of death, and the estate also can take the income and estate tax deductions.
Appreciated assets - Gifts of appreciated assets, such as stock or real estate, may be a good choice for those who want to make a contribution and optimize tax benefits.
A donation of an appreciated stock gives the donor a tax deduction equal to the value of the stock on the date it is donated.
Charitable trust - By creating a charitable trust, a donor can name the Bulldog Foundation as the sole beneficiary or split it with a non-charitable beneficiary as well.
Using a charitable lead trust pays income to the charity for a certain period of years, and then the trust principal passes back to the donor, family members or other heirs.
“This trust is known as a charitable lead trust because the charity gets the first, or lead, interest,” Mr. Skotynsky explained.
The tax savings from a charitable lead trust may allow the donor to provide significant support for the Bulldog Foundation at little or no cost to heirs, he added.
Another version of a trust– the charitable remainder trust– works in the opposite way.
Under this method, trust income is payable to the donor, family members of other heirs for a period of years, and then the principal goes to the foundation.
Retirement plans - Qualified retirement plans (Keough, IRA, 401k, 403b or annuity) are not transferred through a will, provided a beneficiary is named for a plan.
Often, a retirement plan is a pre-tax asset and, when transferred to a named beneficiary upon the owner’s death, may trigger a large tax obligation for heirs.
“Naming the foundation as the beneficiary of your qualified retirement plan may be advantageous, as donating retirement accounts can reduce or eliminate these taxes,” Mr. Skotynsky said.
Life insurance - Another option would be to name the foundation as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
“If the foundation is named as the sole owner and beneficiary of a paid-in-full policy, you may receive an immediate charitable deduction for the lesser of the policy’s fair market value or the net premiums paid,” he explained.
Also, additional premiums that the policy holder pays may be tax deductible.
Required minimum distributions - If you are age 70 1/2 or
older, IRS rules require you to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year from tax-deferred retirement accounts.
“This additional taxable income may push you into a higher tax bracket and may also reduce your eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions,” Mr. Skotynsky explained.
“To eliminate or reduce the impact of RMD income, charitably inclined investors may want to consider making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD).”
A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity like the Bulldog Foundation.
Your taxable income helps determine the amount of Social Security benefits that are subject to taxes. Keeping your taxable income level lower also may reduce potential exposure to the Medicare surtax.
Mr. Skotynsky advises donors to consult their attorney, accountant or financial advisor before making any decisions on charitable giving.
For more information, visit the Bulldog Foundation website at thebulldogfoundation.org or call Mr. Miller at 419-321-1479.
The below article was featured in the Rossford Record.
The Bulldog Foundation is will hold its Building Futures Extravaganza fundraising dinner on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons, Perrysburg.
“We are extremely excited to announce that Jim Tressel will be our guest speaker at our second annual dinner in 2019,” said Bulldog Foundation Board President Doug Miller. “He will help us continue the momentum we started with our inaugural event, and we look forward to him delivering his inspirational message.”
At its inaugural Extravaganza dinner, the Bulldog Foundation raised more than $25,000, and looks to grow this amount heading into the second year.
Merril Hoge, guest speaker, left, with RHS football coach Todd Drusback and former NFL and UT quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.
The Bulldog Foundation’s first Building Futures Extravaganza was held May 31 with nearly 300 in attendance.
Lee Conklin, of WTVG Channel 13, opened the program by auctioning off six seats at the head table with keynote speaker Merril Hoge, as well as special guest Bruce Gradkowski. Matthew Skotynsky from Skotynsky Financial was the winning bidder.
Mr. Miller honored special guests in four categories:
Mr. Miller explained that the foundation has awarded and will continue to award classroom grants providing resources for teachers. Additionally, the foundation will begin awarding scholarships to students.
It further plans to provide funding to enhance the main hallway through the new Rossford High School, honoring the history, tradition and potential of students.
Interactive terminals in the hallway will highlight the Athletic Hall of Fame, distinguished alumni and military veterans. A rotating fourth terminal will feature additional activities such as the chess team, marching band, theater, etc. as selected by the school.
Jackie Huffman provided the invocation, followed by dinner. Dessert was Papa Moose’s donuts which decorated each table as a centerpiece.
Merril Hoge, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, ESPN analyst and cancer Survivor, gave a speech “Find A Way.”
“Many attendees mentioned they were captivated by Mr. Hoge as he spoke on confronting and overcoming adversity, whether it be making it to the NFL or beating cancer,” Mr. Miller said. “Merril Hoge was a perfect speaker for our inaugural event as his message resonates well with the mission of the foundation.”
VIP table sponsors were Gilbane Building Company, Mercy Health, the Collaborative/ TMP and Program Solutions Group, and Shumaker Loop & Kendrick/Doug Miller.
Recognition table sponsors (sponsored tables for the honorees) included Genoa Bank, Owens Community College, Pilkington North America, and Huntington Bank.
Other sponsors included Impact Products, Moe’s Place, Nordmann Roofing, Huffman/Keller Family and Skotynsky Financial.
Students Amanda Thammavongsa and John Bergstrom filmed and edited the video for the program, and several National Honor Society students assisted with seating.
Other in-kind contributors were Hilton Garden Inn, Triple D Printing, Todd Drusback, Welch Publishing/Rossford Record Journal, Victoria Loar for the web page design and Matthew Thompson for photography.
Founding Level sponsors for the foundation who donated $10,000 or more are Ed and Linda Reiter and an anonymous donor.
Mr. Miller also thanked donors at the following levels: Legacy – Class of 1955, Patron – Class of 1966, and Supporters – First Solar, Joe and Mary Schaller and JoAnn Haddad.
“Mark your calendars now for next year’s event on May 30, 2019,” he added.
To learn more, visit the website: thebulldogfoundation.org.
The Bulldog Foundation is proud to present the first annual “Building Futures Extravaganza.”
The fund-raising dinner will be Thursday, May 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons, Perrysburg.
Eight-season NFL running back and ESPN football analyst Merril Hoge will be the guest speaker.
“Drawing on his experiences as an NFL star and cancer survivor, Merril will share important lessons on overcoming obstacles and achieving success through hard work and perseverance,” said Doug Miller, president of the board for the Bulldog Foundation.
Mr. Hoge began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted in 1987 and played until 1993, leading the team in rushing and receiving in four of his first five years, setting a record in his third year for receptions by a running back.
In 1993, Mr. Hoge went to the Chicago Bears as a free agent, where he played for one year, until he was forced to retire early due to post-concussion syndrome.
At retirement, Mr. Hoge had played in 122 consecutive football games, the longest playing streak in the NFL at that time.
In 1995, Mr. Hoge joined ESPN as a football analyst, and worked on “NFL Match Up,” which was the only show studying coaches’ tape to provide an inside look at the game.
He also served as analyst for the ESPN shows “NFL Live,” “Sports Center,” “Primetime” and “NFL Countdown.”
“During his tenure as an ESPN analyst and host, he was well-known for his sharp knowledge of the game,” Mr. Miller explained.
In 2003, Mr. Hoge was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he fought with the same tenacity demonstrated on the field. He shared his moving story in his 2010 memoir, “Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life.”
“These successes and challenges have helped Merril inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity along with achieving success,” Mr. Miller said.
A leading advocate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association and Safety in Sports, he also is an active contributor to shaping communications regarding head trauma in all sports.
In addition, he is chairman of the board of the Caring Place, a center for grieving children and their families who have lost a loved one.
Tickets for the dinner are $100 or a table of 10 for $800.
VIP sponsors are being sought for the event, and they will have the opportunity to attend a private reception with Mr. Hoge prior to the dinner.
The Bulldog Foundation is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization committed to building futures for students in the
Rossford School District with scholarships and classroom grants.
Also serving on the Bulldog Foundation board are Amy Austin, Moe Minarcin, Ed Reiter, Neil MacKinnon III, Rex Huffman, Joseph Schaller, Tim Yenrick, Tim Myers and Kent Murphree.
For more information, visit the Bulldog Foundation website at thebulldogfoundation.org.
By Beth Church
The Bulldog Foundation has awarded grants to four Rossford School District teachers.
Doug Miller, president of the foundation board, presented checks totaling $1,810 at the March 19 board of education meeting.
“One of the goals of the foundation is to further academic excellence and creativity,” he explained.
Mr. Miller said the foundation is pleased that the awards address a number of areas and programs of learning at the schools.
Shelly Bertsch, the district’s library/media coordinator, received a $500 grant for a Marvel Mania program that will include a visit from Kirbi Fagan, world-class illustrator for Marvel comic books, movie posters and other bestselling books for teens and young adults.
“Students will hear what it takes to make it in the world of art and illustrate best-selling books,” Mr. Miller explained. “The students will also have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the illustrator.”
About 380 students from the junior high and 20 from the high school are expected to participate.
The audio assistance program request from Martha Fellman, RJHS and RHS business teacher, received a $500 grant for purchasing earbuds to be used by about 110 students annually.
Ms. Fellman’s courses include a computer sound component throughout the semester, some requiring headphones on a daily basis.
Many students do not have earbuds or headphones to use in the lab, which place them at a disadvantage, Mr. Miller explained.
The grant allows all students to have access to the audio components, which will enhance their understanding of projects and tutorials.
Rachel Hood, RJHS science teacher, received a $460 grant of $460 to purchase a 3-D printer and replacement cartridges.
“3-D printers are becoming increasingly useful in a number of fields across science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as in art,” Mr. Miller said.
The students will gain experience preparing and creating designs that can be printed on a 3-D printer.
For a Science Day Extravaganza, RJHS science teacher Crystal Murtha received a $350 grant.
In May, eighth-grade students will host the event for fourth graders featuring topics such as the solar system, the Earth’s tilt and the seasons, food chains, force, motion, light and sound.
They will research and create hands-on activities that preview fifth grade science standards.
“This project will give the fourth-grade students an opportunity to be successful and excited about the concepts that they will see next school year, as well as, giving the eighth-graders the opportunity to become leaders by being the teachers for the day,” Mr. Miller explained.
About 250 students will be impacted by the program, he added.
The grants are made possible by donations made to the Bulldog Foundation.
Also serving on the Bulldog Foundation board are Amy Austin, Moe Minarcin, Ed Reiter, Neil MacKinnon, Rex Huffman, Joseph Schaller, Tim Yenrick, Tim Myers and school board member Kent Murphree.
For more information on the independent, nonprofit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization or to make a donation, visit the website: thebulldogfoundation.org.
The below article was featured in the Rossford Record.
The Last Hurrah celebration allowed Bulldogs to say goodbye to the fieldhouse and provided alumni one last opportunity to play in a game, but attendees also opened their hearts to donate to the Bulldog Foundation.
At the door, donations were requested for admission, and several 50/50 drawings were held during the games. At the end of the night, nearly $4,500 was raised.
said Doug Miller, president of the board for the foundation.
“The Bulldogs really showed how they support the schools, and the funds will help with grants for the teachers and our project for the new buildings,” he added.
The project is a hallway of pride in the main entry of the new high school. The hallway will have an area to honor veterans, distinguished alumni, athletic hall of fame members, and a rotating space for other organizations and events.
The foundation is currently in the process of planning a large event to be held at the Hilton Garden in Levis Commons on May 31. Details regarding the event will be announced in the next few weeks.
The below article was featured in the Rossford Record.
After a recent class reunion, the Rossford High School Class of 1966 had some money left in its account. Class members then saw an article in the Rossford Record Journal for the Bulldog Foundation and came up with the idea of donating the leftover money to the Foundation. However, the class wanted to be able to reach the next donation level, so the class members pulled together and were able to get to the next level. As a result, the Class of ’66 was able to make a donation in the amount of nearly $4,000.
said Doug Miller, president of the Board for the Foundation. He added, “They exemplify Bulldog pride and I think it serves as a great example, and perhaps creates a challenge, to some of the other classes and it will be interesting to see if they can meet or exceed what the Class of ’66 has done.”
By making the donation, the Class of ’66 will be recognized on the Bulldog Foundation website, at foundation events, and in publications. The Class of ’66 intends to continue its efforts to try to reach a higher donor level, perhaps eventually reaching the top level of a Founder.
The Bulldog Foundation is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds for a project to create a hallway of pride in the main entry hallway of the new high school to honor each of veterans, distinguished alumni, sports hall of fame inductees, and a rotating space for other organizations and current events. The fund-raising goal is $250,000.
Other donations have been received as follows: Ed and Linda Reiter, Founders; Anonymous, Founder; Joe and Mary Schaller, Supporter; Craig and Nancy La-Hote, Friend; Tom Minarcin, Friend, and Edward Bamberger, Friend.
Additional donors have committed as Founder level donors, but the Foundation is looking for the support of all loyal Bulldogs. The goal is to make the space into something memorable that will leave a positive impression on anyone visiting the school, from the youth of the community, families of those being honored, and any and all Bulldogs.
Below are the various donor levels. To give, you may visit The Bulldog Foundation website at http://thebulldogfoundation.org or mail the donation to The Bulldog Foundation, 200 Dixie Highway, Rossford, OH 43460. If you would like to schedule a meeting with a representative of The Bulldog Foundation, send an email to thebulldogfoundation@gmail.com.
To volunteer to help The Bulldog Foundation, send an email to thebulldogfoundation@gmail.com.
View original article about the donation here.
Shop for everyone on your gift list this holiday at smile.amazon.com/ch/47-1065251 and Amazon donates to Bulldog Foundation.
