Annuities

Sharing good fortune for a healthier society

Seeking good health—for himself and others—is a major theme in Herb Rubin's life. Now in his 70s, he still pursues his love of boats through kayaking, and walks his Tibetan terrier two miles every day near his Mt. Vernon home.

Herb and his wife, Lucille, chose the Northwest's mild climate over Vermont winters in 1992. A neighbor soon introduced them to Group Health, and not long after, Herb became aware of the Foundation.

"Giving was a good way to support the Foundation's health education programs, which I think are very important," says Herb. "Nutrition is a major part of good health. If we can learn to read labels and improve our diets, everyone's quality of life will improve, and health care will be less costly to society as a whole."

Herb also acts on his passion for wellness by serving on Group Health's upper northwest District Advisory Group and attending monthly Senior Caucus meetings in his area.

With more than a half-century of experience as a financial executive, business school teacher and certified public accountant, Herb has expertise in tax issues. Still advising Vermont clients as a practicing CPA, he believes people approaching or in retirement should understand the personal benefit of gift annuities. Annuities are charitable gifts that create a guaranteed, tax-favorable income stream for the donor, with the principal going to the charity after death.

Herb and Lucille have created several gift annuities through the Foundation. "As a nation, we are significantly less taxed than others in the world. Lucille and I feel a sense of responsibility to use what we've gained through lower tax rates to help our country provide better health services," says Herb. His only regret: "Not knowing about the Foundation earlier so we could have done it sooner!"