Spring 2006

Cliff Johnson

“I believe in the purpose of the Lighthouse. People are working, building self-esteem. They’re pulling themselves up by the bootstraps. The Lighthouse really supports people in achieving the goals they set for themselves,” says Cliff Johnson, Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation board member.

Cliff first became aware of the Seattle Lighthouse growing up in Moscow, Idaho. Because Cliff’s brother has Usher syndrome, a leading cause of deaf-blindness, his family contacted the Lighthouse to learn more about resources available to Deaf-Blind people. “It was always an option for my brother should he need it. It was a resource for my family over in Idaho, even if it didn’t employ him. We contacted the Lighthouse and it connected us with resources.”

Cliff graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing. He worked for several Seattle companies including the Ackerley Group, Spokane Journal of Business, KIRO Radio News, and Clear Channel Outdoor, where he is currently employed. It was through his current position at Clear Channel that he found an opportunity to help the Lighthouse spread the word about its mission.

Cliff spoke to his co-workers about including the Lighthouse in Clear Channel’s Community Partners campaign, which donates billboard space and graphic design work to local non-profit agencies. Cliff helped to secure $717,000 worth of ad space for the Seattle Lighthouse.

Cliff’s obvious dedication to the Lighthouse and unique abilities distinguished him as an ideal candidate for the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation board, which was still in its infancy. The Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation was established December 12, 2002 for the sole purpose of gathering community support of the Lighthouse mission.

“I wanted to donate my time to the Lighthouse,” says Cliff. “The Foundation board is growing purposefully as a board. They are selectively seeking out individuals with the right skill set. I’m impressed by that.”

Cliff brings a combination of critical skills and knowledge to the board. “I have an understanding of people with Usher syndrome and I have knowledge of the marketing and advertising industry. So I can throw my two cents in,” he says. “The board is just getting started. They’re very organized and purposeful about how they are structuring the goals and mission.”

In addition to serving the Lighthouse as a Foundation board member, Cliff is also a member of the Lighthouse Legacy Society. The Lighthouse Legacy Society honors individuals who have included the Lighthouse in their will and estate planning, creating long-term security for Lighthouse employment opportunities and programs serving people with visual disabilities.

Cliff talked to his financial planner about including a bequest in his will to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation. A bequest is a provision made in a will for an outright gift to a charity organization. In addition to ensuring the long-term health of an agency, a bequest also has financial benefits for the donor. The donor’s estate tax is eligible for a tax deduction equal to the full value of the bequest.

“I did this because I believe in the Lighthouse mission and want to support it,” says Cliff of making the bequest. “I’m terribly impressed with their efficient use of donor funds and I’m interested in making a commitment to the future of the Lighthouse.”

“Cliff brings valuable knowledge to the Foundation board,” says Patrick Sullivan, Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation board chair. “That’s really why we asked him. We didn’t have a lot of knowledge of public relations, and he really does. He’s a great addition to the board!”

Bequest Benefits

Making a bequest to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation is one of the simplest and easiest ways to help ensure the Lighthouse endures and continues to serve the blind and Deaf-Blind communities.

Not only are bequests simple and easy to make, bequests carry a number of other benefits to the donor, including estate tax deductions.

Benefits of making a bequest include the following:

• Bequests can take many forms. You have many options when it comes to leaving a bequest! You can leave a certain amount of cash or property. You can bequeath a percentage of your estate. You can make a gift of residual assets after all other bequests, taxes, and estate expenses have been paid. And you can make a bequest contingent on the status of your heirs.
• Bequests are easy to implement. You can simply add a codicil to your existing will or have your attorney incorporate a bequest when preparing a new will.
• Bequests are revocable. You can revoke a bequest at any time without losing any assets.
• Bequests are flexible. Bequests can be for any amount and for almost any purpose. You can also change the bequest as circumstances or life goals change.
• Bequests remain in the donor’s control for life. You retain control of your bequeathed assets and property. There is no immediate out-of-pocket donation.
• Bequests can be used to honor loved ones. You can make a bequest in honor or in memory of a loved one.
• Bequests qualify for an estate tax deduction. The main tax advantage of making a bequest is that a charitable bequest is deductible for federal estate-tax purposes for the full amount of the gift.

For more information on making a bequest to the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation, please contact Kirk Adams at (206) 436-2110 or email kadams@seattlelh.org.

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