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Janet Bellusci

Janet Bellusci

While teaching as the Library Media Specialist in a middle school on Long Island, Janet and her husband, City of New York Fire Department Lt. Peter J. Farrenkopf, dreamed of retiring somewhere pastoral, yet exciting. They realized their dream in 2005, when they bought an 1851 farmhouse on the west bank of the Hudson River, opposite the CIA campus.  Together they enjoyed many visits to campus, trying out the restaurants and enjoying the energy and enthusiasm of the students. In 2009, Peter passed away at age 56 from a 9/11 related illness, and Janet wanted a meaningful way to memorialize him.  So the "FDNY Lt. Peter J. Farrenkopf Scholarship" was born.

Janet and her family and friends make the trip to campus often for evening events, classes, and special meals.  As engraved on her commemorative brick on the vestibule wall of the Student Commons, this "Forever Foodie" is thrilled to be able to support students far into the future with this scholarship, which will be endowed through her estate. And because she wants to help current students as well, she donates an annual "Peter J. Farrenkopf Scholarship" through the Run For Your Knives 5K Walk/Run, held on campus every autumn during Alumni Homecoming.

Janet says, "Having a marvelous resource like the CIA so close by is just another reason to love living in this beautiful region."

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CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT:
Office of Advancement
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499
845-905-4275
Email: advancement@culinary.edu
© The Culinary Institute of America. All rights reserved. Phone: 845-452-9600

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Culinary Institute of America 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

Bequest Language

"I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Culinary Institute of America [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 CIA 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 CIA 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 CIA 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 CIA where you agree to make a gift to CIA 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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