Planned Giving

Dr. Robert G. Yahr and his wife, Nancy
Dr. Robert G. Yahr and his wife, Nancy

The Yahr Legacy Society

In 1988, the Gardens’ founders, Dr. Robert G. Yahr and his wife, Nancy, envisioned “an internationally-themed garden and environmental center for the betterment of all.” With immense help of the community, their vision became an enduring gift — a destination for those seeking natural beauty, community, artistic enrichment, and educational opportunities.

Dr. and Mrs. Yahr’s legacy of giving continued even beyond their lifetimes. Upon his passing in 2021, Dr. Yahr left a generous estate gift to Rotary Botanical Gardens, ensuring the Gardens’ growth and sustainability for future generations.

We invite you to join this legacy. By including Rotary Botanical Gardens in your estate plan, you become part of a community of supporters who help the Gardens thrive and inspire for years to come.

Benefits of Society Membership

As part of the Yahr Legacy Society, you will:

  • Be recognized in our Annual Report and on our stewardship exhibit in the Visitor Center, unless you prefer to remain anonymous.
  • Receive invitations to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences and events held in your honor.
  • Be acknowledged as a vital supporter of the Gardens’ long-term financial sustainability.

Induction into the Dr. Robert G. Yahr Society

You will be recognized as part of the Yahr Legacy Society if you:

  • Include Rotary Botanical Gardens in a will or living trust.
  • Name 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.
  • Make a pledge or commitment to benefit the Gardens through your estate.
  • Establish an income-producing gift plan benefiting Rotary Botanical Gardens (e.g., charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity, or charitable lead trust).
  • Donate a life insurance policy, outright real estate, or retained real estate.
  • Direct retirement plan benefits to Rotary Botanical Gardens.

Your planned gift can be directed to the area that resonates most with you:

  • Strengthening the Gardens’ endowment to ensure its future.
  • Supporting specific educational and community programs.
  • Sustaining day-to-day operations through the annual fund.

Through a planned gift, you become a steward of the Gardens’ future, helping to sustain its beauty, education, and impact for years to come.

Next Steps

To help us honor your intentions and document your wishes accurately, we invite you to complete the form found at the link below with as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing.

Please rest assured that all information provided will remain strictly confidential and does not create a binding obligation.

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

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