Planned Giving

The Dr. Robert G. Yahr Society

In 1988, Dr. Robert Yahr set out to create “an internationally-themed garden and environmental center for the betterment of all.” Dr. Yahr’s vision, with the immense help of the community, became an everlasting gift and is now a destination for those seeking respite, educational and artistic enrichment, and natural beauty.

Upon his passing in 2021, Dr. Yahr’s legacy continued through a generous estate gift to Rotary Botanical Gardens, helping to preserve and sustain the Gardens for generations to come.

You are invited to join this legacy by becoming a member of the Dr. Robert G. Yahr Society. By including Rotary Botanical Gardens in your estate plan, you ensure that the Gardens will continue to thrive and inspire future generations through its mission of enriching lives through natural beauty, education, and the arts.

Benefits of Society Membership

Members of the Dr. Robert G. Yahr Society are:

Honored in our annual report and on our stewardship exhibit in the Visitor Center, unless you choose to remain anonymous.
Invited to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences and events held in their honor.
Recognized as pivotal supporters of the Gardens’ long-term financial sustainability.

Submit Your Declaration of Intent

Induction into the Dr. Robert G. Yahr Society

You will be welcomed into the Society if you have:

Included Rotary Botanical Gardens in a will or living trust.
Named Rotary Botanical Gardens as a beneficiary in financial instruments such as IRA and Qualified Retirement-Plan Distributions, Donor-Advised Funds, Insurance Policies, Bank Accounts, or Brokerage Accounts.
Made a pledge or commitment to benefit the Gardens through your estate.
Established an income-producing gift plan benefiting Rotary Botanical Gardens (e.g., charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity, or charitable lead trust).
Donated a life insurance policy, outright real estate, or retained real estate.
Directed retirement plan benefits to Rotary Botanical Gardens.

Planned gifts can be directed to support areas that matter most to you:

Building the Gardens’ endowment to secure its future.
Enhancing specific educational and community programs.
Sustaining day-to-day operations through the annual fund.

Your gift is more than a contribution — it is a legacy that nurtures, inspires, and enriches lives for generations to come.

For more information or to discuss your planned gift, please contact:

Kelcie Baior
Director of Development
608-314-8414
[email protected]