Helping the Church Now and in the Future
By establishing a charitable gift annuity, Bob Litteken is able to show his appreciation for the Church, leave a legacy of generosity and benefit from his gift during his lifetime.
Robert Litteken has discovered a way to give back that suits him perfectly. Through a charitable gift annuity, he can be generous, support a cause he loves and receive benefits from his gift.
"Many people say they will leave something in their will," says Bob, who also has made provisions for the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Foundation in his estate plan. "But I have been blessed to have some assets that I don't need to live on, and a charitable gift annuity is a good way to put those assets to work for the Church now."
Bob knows a thing or two about the important work of the Church. He was a priest for 29 years, ordained by Bishop John J. Cassata for service to the people of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Foundation. He eventually left the priesthood and began a long career in alcohol and substance abuse treatment.
At 93, he has long since retired, but maintains a vital, active lifestyle. Bob works out three time a week, takes classes at Tarrant County College, hosts a monthly poker group in his home, organizes a monthly restaurant meetup for 27 people and takes part in a weekly small group at St. John the Apostle Parish in North Richland Hills. The latter group has been meeting for prayer, scripture study and faith sharing for more than 25 years when it was first organized by the late Monsignor Charles King.
Bob sees the work of Jesus Christ in all these activities and appreciates the fact that they allow him to remain close to his wide circle of friends.
As generous as he is friendly and outgoing, Bob has established several charitable gift annuities with the Advancement Foundation through gifts of cash. In return, he enjoys a partial tax deduction as well as monthly income from each annuity. When Bob passes away, the Advancement Foundation receives the remainder.
"It has been very good working with the Advancement Foundation to set up the gift annuities," says Bob, whose beaming smile and calming spirit exude the love of Christ to everyone he encounters. "I have always supported my parish and the Diocese. They do good work and manage their resources well."
To learn more about ways you can create a legacy at the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Foundation, contact Renée Underwood, CFRE at plannedgiving@adv-fdn.org or 817-533-7242.