Support the Kaufman Center

Planned Giving / Estate Planning

The Virtuosi Society

Donors who include the Kaufman Center in their estate plans ensure the Kaufman Center's long-term stability. We founded the Virtuosi Society to honor these friends who have committed to making a legacy gift of any size through a number of planned giving options.

Legacy gifts build the Center's endowment, a fund which is invested to support all of the programs at Merkin Hall, the Lucy Moses School and the Special Music School. As a Virtuosi Society member, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to further a tradition beyond your lifetime.

If you have already named the Kaufman Center as a beneficiary of a planned gift, we welcome you as a Virtuosi Society member. If you would like more information about how you can become a member-in a manner that benefits you, your family members, your heirs and the Kaufman Center-please call the Development Office at 212-501-3350.

Benefits of becoming a member

To thank members of the Virtuosi Society, we extend lifetime benefits that include:

• An annual event honoring Virtuosi Society members
• Invitations to special receptions, events and concerts
• Public recognition of your membership (unless you choose to remain anonymous)

One of the Virtuosi

Carol Kemack is a retired public school music teacher and a pianist in the Chamber Music Associates. She has committed to leaving her estate to the Kaufman Center, including an apartment, some country property and a grand piano.

"I was a music teacher at P.S. 2 in Chinatown for 31 years, and I loved the children, who often came from mainland China and had never been to school before. I saw how music breaks down barriers. It works both sides of the brain at the same time. I first became exposed to the Special Music School by coming to the Chamber Music Associates, which meets at the Kaufman Center every Wednesday night. I was able to visit classrooms myself and saw these wonderful children. I wanted to change my will and I was looking to leave my money to someone. I get such great pleasure out of the thought that these children will benefit from my decision."

Ways to Leave Your Legacy

There are many ways to leave your legacy to the Kaufman Center. You will find that planned giving can not only benefit the Kaufman Center, but also benefit you, your family members and your heirs; for example, by protecting assets that might otherwise be lost to estate, income or capital gains taxation. The Development Department staff can answer questions about gift planning or meet with you to discuss your estate plans at any time. For more information, or to schedule a meeting, please call 212-501-3350 or email development@kaufman-center.org.