Junipero Serra High School
A Catholic College Preparatory

A Family's Legacy of Giving

Theresa Rutledge with her family

To honor her parents' dedication and belief in a Catholic education, Theresa Rutledge enrolled her two sons at Serra High School.

As a young girl growing up in Croatia, Nada Barulich's education was interrupted by World War II. Having persevered through unspeakable times, Nada and her husband, John, vowed to each other that their children and grandchildren would receive an outstanding Catholic education.

"John was a wonderful man, as well as a great provider," Nada recounted as she reflected on her husband's passing. "He always said, 'If it doesn't hurt to give something up to help others, it's not really giving back.'"

Nada, a member of the Father Serra Heritage Society, has included Serra in her will and estate plan. Her daughter, Theresa Rutledge, shares the same value of Catholic education.

"It captures a critical stage in the formation of a young life and reinforces faith-based values and spiritual development," Theresa said.

Dedicated to her parents' values and beliefs, Theresa enrolled her sons (Jonathan '09 and Michael '13) at Serra. This decision was made because of the nurturing, faith-based community and the strength of the Serra brotherhood.

"My husband, Steve, and I are impressed by the power of the Serra community and by so many facets of the school's academics," Theresa said. "We give to Serra because of all that our family has received from this wonderful community. We want Serra's mission of an outstanding, first-class Catholic education to continue."

The spirit of faith at Serra, along with the wisdom and guidance provided to these young men, is inspiring. It truly upholds the Barulich family's legacy.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Serra High School 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 Serra High School, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 451 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403, 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 Serra 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 Serra 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 Serra 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 Serra where you agree to make a gift to Serra 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.
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