Since 1879, the Wisconsin Humane Society has been committed to excellence in providing protection, shelter and care for wild and homeless animals. WHS is a national leader in animal welfare, due in large part to the support of our generous community. Since we receive no government funding, WHS is dependent upon the generosity of caring contributors like you!

The decision to include the Wisconsin Humane Society in your estate plans shows a sincere commitment to animals and a desire for your legacy of love to continue for years to come. Estate gifts, commonly called "planned gifts," include bequests, securities, charitable trusts, life insurance, retirement accounts and more.

Bequests
One of the simplest ways to leave a charitable legacy to the Wisconsin Humane Society is through a provision in your will. Your will provides the flexibility of specifying exactly how you wish to provide for animals. If you own anything at all, you should have a will so that the state is not left in charge of the distribution of your assets at your death.

Life Insurance
If you have an insurance policy that is no longer needed for the purpose it was originally purchased, you may wish to change the beneficiary to the Wisconsin Humane Society. You may also consider making a gift of a policy itself to the Wisconsin Humane Society and contribute funds to enable the Wisconsin Humane Society to pay the insurance premiums.

Other Planned Giving Options
There are many other powerful ways to combine continuing support for animals with tax benefits and income for you and your loved ones. The Wisconsin Humane Society would be pleased to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to receive a copy of the Wisconsin Humane Society's brochure Planning For Those Who Most Need Help , please call our Development Office at (414) 431-6162. You may also click here to print a copy.

If you have not yet begun your estate plans or would like more information, please visit our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Join Buster's Legacy Club!
The Wisconsin Humane Society is honored to be remembered by our friends. Estate gifts are personal and make a significant impact. We take your commitment and the responsibility for animals seriously. A Statement of Intent to bequeath a future gift upon WHS entitles you to membership in our treasured Buster's Legacy Club. Your membership allows us to thank you during your lifetime and to ensure your love of animals is remembered through naming opportunities of your choice.

Please mail your Statement of Intent to the following address:

 Wisconsin Humane Society
4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue
 Milwaukee, WI 53208

The Bernhardts' Bequest

Gerald and Lilly Bernhardt were very passionate people. Art was their main source of inspiration; Gerald through painting and Lilly through pottery. Gerald’s career in painting was very successful. Many of his paintings were displayed and sold, and he received numerous awards. At the end of her lifetime, Lilly stated that she thought Gerald had painted 10,000 paintings during his life! Lilly’s career at the pottery wheel was also a success. She was so impressive that she earned a teaching position at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. Gerald and Lilly enjoyed attending art fairs and selling their art together. But art was not their only passion.

The Bernhardts always had cats, preferably orange ones, but they loved them all. The Wisconsin Humane Society was very important to them, not only because of their love for their own cats, but because they felt that people should be responsible for animals. Gerald and Lilly felt strongly that animals needed to be well taken care of by their guardians and society in general. Animals held a special place in their hearts and they demonstrated that through their generosity.

When drawing up their estate plans, these lifelong Milwaukee area residents decided to include the Wisconsin Humane Society in their wills. This decision was one that helped save hundreds of animals. Gerald and Lilly Bernhardt certainly left a legacy for others through their generosity. If you would like more information on including WHS or OHS in your estate plans, contact the Development Department at 414-431-6162.

Your contributions enable the Wisconsin Humane Society to continue providing lifesaving services for animals. Future generations of both animals and people depend on the important decisions you make today!