July 2005 Development Newsletter

Article Body: There's a reason we call it SPECTACULAR because quite simply it is!
By the time you receive this edition of the Graceland Development Newsletter another "SPEC" will have run its course on "the Hill." This year's International flavor of Spectacular saw roughly 1400 campers stroll the walkways of our beautiful campus.
Spectacular is a leadership, visual and performing arts, and sports camp. Its mission is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages young men and women to discover God, their inherent worth and cultivate and express their giftedness. This year's theme, Why Jesus - KBE4U (the Kingdom is Big Enough For You) - challenges campers and leaders to seek the Kingdom here on earth, and that all are welcome in a place where there are no labels, no violence, resources are shared, there is care for all, and that we are all one. You can enjoy gobs of photos by checking out Community of Christ's web page at http://cofchrist.org/spec/2005photos.asp

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL????????
There is only one pre-season National Intercollegiate Athletic Association Bowl game and Graceland University is in it! The Yellowjackets are set to report to camp in just a few weeks and they will have to get after it in a hurry. Graceland will take on the Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm on Saturday, August 27 in Ellinwood, Kansas in the 11th annual Wheat Bowl. The invitation comes on the heels of a sparkling 8+2 season that saw the Jackets finish tied for second in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The game will pit GU's high octane offense which averaged 33 points per game last season against a stingy SNU defense that allowed a measly 16 points a game. This will be Graceland's first bowl game appearance since the Mineral Water Bowl 30 years ago. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and tickets will be available at the stadium or you can reserve your tickets by calling assistant coach Al Dykens at 641-784-5312 or by using football@graceland.edu.

It's baaaaaaack! The third annual Jazz on the Bricks that is. On Friday, September 9, alumni and friends are invited to the Independence Campus to chow down on KC-style backyard barbecue and enjoy the music of the Jazz Daddies + One. This is a wonderful chance for you to re-connect with your Graceland friends. Look for all of the fun on the Alumni Brick Plaza starting 6 p.m. and get your tickets by calling Pam Combs at 800-645-3582 or you can fire up the computer and contact Pam at combs@graceland.edu. Since you asked…its $7.50 for adults, kids under five eat and dance for free (boy can they dance).

It pays to sing the praises of Graceland. In our July "Donor Spotlight" we salute 79-year-old Elizabeth Hagerty of Beardstown, Illinois. All she did was suggest to a friend that he consider an estate gift for a school he'd never heard of. When George Musch passed on almost 2 years ago he gifted a 287 acre farm to Graceland just because he liked all of the great things Liz told him about the place. Right now the property appraises for about $600 thousand dollars. Mrs. Hagerty's daughter and granddaughter graduated from GU, and another granddaughter is currently attending Graceland.

Todd Sturgis is Graceland's Director of Development here to offer you his "tip of the month." One of the most important estate planning tools is the living trust, yet relatively few people take advantage of the benefits it offers. Most people tend to view trusts as complex plans used only by the wealthy. This perception is far from the truth. A living trust can benefit many families and situations. A living trust allows you to: 1) eliminate the delay and many expenses related to Probate; 2) minimize estate and inheritance taxes; 3) maintain your privacy - not possible through a will. It is a perfect tool to help control your assets for your lifetime and still include a loving gift to Graceland. You can receive a FREE "Living Trust Information Packet;" please contact Todd at tsturgis@graceland.edu.

The Graceland Forever Capital Campaign has kicked into high gear as we strive to raise $27 million dollars by Homecoming 2009. On the top of our "to do" list...a state of the art Science and Technology Center. Leadership and advisory teams are now in place as we plan for a premier facility. We believe that when we build it..."they will come"...the best and the brightest from around the world. Get on board today with your gift by clicking here.

¡Viva Graceland! is this year's Homecoming theme. You've got 2 full months to make plans for a return trip to "the Hill." If your class graduated in 1955, 1965, 1970, 1980, 1985, or 1995 then it's an honor year homecoming for you! Mark your calendars for October 14-16.

That's it for now.
Event Date: 7/31/2005 2:15 PM