Expanding Impact Through IRA Giving
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
For Cedar Falls couple Pat and Mike Deters, the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa has provided an entertainment experience that exceeds that of venues in New York, Boston and Chicago. And while they've seen world-renowned acts grace the stage, some of their favorite groups originate closer to home—the UNI Men's Glee Club and the UNI Chorus.
"The sound the Glee Club and the UNI Chorus make when they perform in the Great Hall is a wonderful sound to listen to," said Mike.
The Deters have made a $100,000 gift through an IRA charitable rollover to support the estimated $14.5 million renovation of the 20-year-old facility.
The Deters are classical music fans but enjoy a variety of performances.
"Sometimes it's hard to limit what you go to," said Pat. "[As much as we'd like to], we can't go to everything."
Value to the community
The couple stress the value of what the Gallagher Bluedorn has added to the quality of life in the Cedar Valley as well.
"The Gallagher Bluedorn demonstrates such a positive influence in the community. It draws people from around the area," Mike said. "It's important to continue to maintain it, especially when you see the role the center plays in exposing children to the arts."
The Kaleidoscope Series for Youth at the Gallagher Bluedorn provides youth multiple opportunities to experience a wide range of the performing arts and serves underserved rural communities of Eastern Iowa. Over 35,000 students experience the arts each year through the center's programs.
Pat acknowledged the Gallagher Bluedorn has expanded its original vision of what the center is capable of doing. Today the Gallagher Bluedorn hosts more than 600 events annually, serving more than 115,000 guests—an actual usage nearly 10 times the initial projection.
Expanding their impact
By choosing to make their gift to UNI through an IRA charitable rollover, the Deters were able to increase the impact of their donation.
"We can afford to make a larger gift by transferring directly from the IRA because we don't have to pay taxes on that amount," Pat said.
The couple remarked on the ease of the gift, noting their bank handled the disbursement from their IRA. Laughing, Pat added, "We didn't even have to put a stamp on it."
They encourage others to join in support.
"If the Gallagher Bluedorn has played a role in your life that you'd like to see continue, we all have to do our part," Pat said. "It doesn't really make a difference the size of the gift—if we all give what it's comfortable for us to do, then the transformation of the center will happen."
If UNI has played an important role in your life, like it has for the Deters, you can ensure our future through a gift in your estate plan. Contact Jane Halverson at (319) 273-4665 or jane.halverson@uni.edu to learn more.