Meth-Wick Community was founded through the foresight of philanthropist Barthinius L. Wick. In 1959, his thoughtful planning and generous charitable gift made possible the creation of a campus where older adults could live, thrive, and support one another.

Mr. Wick’s vision, paired with the expertise of the Upper Iowa Conference of the Methodist Church (UICMC), established Meth-Wick as a premier senior living community.

Throughout his life, Mr. Wick prioritized values that shaped Meth-Wick’s identity: fostering community, promoting philanthropy, and respecting the dignity of every individual.

Although he didn’t live to see his plans realized, his carefully crafted estate plan and dedicated trustees brought Meth-Wick to life—a community that continues to grow and flourish more than six decades later.

Ways to Leave Your Own Legacy

Each October, we invite our residents to reflect on how they might contribute to Meth-Wick’s future.

The 2024 fundraising theme is “It’s not just a ride, it’s an adventure!” as our goal is to add a smaller, 14-passenger bus to enhance transportation options on campus. While our larger Meth-Wick bus is essential for many outings, a smaller bus will offer flexibility for trips with fewer residents, such as shopping or scenic rides, and includes wheelchair-accessible seating and convenient storage. The new bus features a low-floor design, easy wheelchair securements, and requires fewer licensing qualifications, allowing more staff to drive it, increasing overall usability.

There are also several other methods for leaving a personal legacy through a donation:

Personalized Giving

• Enhance the environment. Do you enjoy the walking trails or the beautiful fall foliage? Consider donating a bench or a tree to enrich the campus for future residents.
• Living Unit Refund. Contribute a portion of your living unit refund to Meth-Wick, as a simple yet lasting way to share your values without impacting your current plans. This can be done through a simple update to your living unit agreement.
• Donate toward items on the wish list. This year’s list includes a range of items and values, from outdoor Christmas decorations and wheelchairs to Tovertafel “Magic Table” games and an indoor therapy garden. The 2024 wish list is available in the latest Legacy Newsletter.

Flexible Donation Options

• Stocks/Securities. Donating long-term appreciated stocks or securities (that have been owned for at least a year) provides favorable tax benefits. The donor doesn’t have to pay capital gains on the appreciated stock or security, and there is no need to obtain an appraisal.
• Cash or check. A straightforward and tax-deductible way to support Meth-Wick.
• PayPal. A great and simple online option for those who don’t live in the area.
• Real Estate. Eliminate costs associated with maintenance, selling, or passing down property while contributing to Meth-Wick’s goals.
• IRA Assets. A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. To avoid paying income tax on your RMD, simply ask your financial advisor to have the check made payable directly to Meth-Wick. The distribution must be issued to the non-profit in order to remain tax-free.

Sustainable Support

• Charitable Gift Annuity. By purchasing a charitable gift annuity from Meth-Wick, you give away a lump sum and receive quarterly interest payments on that amount for the rest of your life. The rate of interest depends on the donor’s age.
• Donate to the Meth-Wick Endowment Fund. A percentage of income from these funds is used to pay for free or discounted care for residents who have exhausted their funds through no fault of their own. The principal in the fund is never touched, only the interest it produces. The generous support of the Meth-Wick endowment ensures Meth-Wick’s compassionate mission continues for generations.

Find the Perfect Fit

Consider which option best reflects your values and financial goals. We also suggest you consult your financial professional to determine the gift best suited to your financial needs. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Horan, CEO at 319-297-8601 or via email at [email protected].

We appreciate your generosity in continuing Mr. Wick’s remarkable legacy!