Tom and Judy Diederich Use Charitable Annuity Trust to Aid Future Student-Athletes

Thomas and Judith Diederich have found a tax-wise way to contribute appreciated stock that not only helps them but will one day contribute to the excellence of athletics at Ave Maria University.

Both native New Yorkers, Tom and Judy moved to Ave Maria after a priest from Notre Dame told them about the-then infant community.

“We were excited about the vision Tom Monaghan had for an authentically Catholic university in a small Catholic town. We are sports enthusiasts, and we admire how the coaches are focused on bringing students closer to Christ while allowing them to compete in sports,” Judy says.

To make their vision a reality, Tom and Judy have chosen to use a five-year term charitable remainder annuity trust. It will pay them a fixed income for a period of time with the remainder benefiting Ave Maria. Tom spent his career at Rollins/Orkin, and they are using appreciated company stock to fund their gift.

“We liked the idea of having a fixed stream of income and a significant charitable deduction. This was a way to put the appreciation of the Rollins stock to work for us and then to Ave Maria University,” Tom says.

They urge others to join them in making a planned gift to support Ave Maria.

“You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a gift,” Judy says. “We are from humble beginnings. However, God has been good to us, and we want to share in helping Ave Maria student-athletes.”