Charitable gift annuity helps Crooches achieve their goals

John and Jamie Crooch love children. They believe the love and care we pour into children today make a difference in the kind of people they will be in the future.

John and Jamie play active roles in helping raise their two granddaughters and in extending themselves to help other children as well. John previously volunteered as a chaplain for The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

He now serves as a board member for the United Methodist Circle of Care.

John and Jamie affirm their strong support for this Oklahoma Conference ministry with at-risk children, youths, and families."We are able to see the impact they have made in kids’ lives. My first appointment out of seminary was at Tahlequah First United Methodist Church, where I got to know many people at the Circle of Care Children’s Home," said John.

The Crooches have established a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation as a way to support the ministry of Circle of Care. "Jamie and I wanted to help in ministry now. The most obvious and careful way to give is through the Foundation," said John, who retired in 2006 as president of the Foundation. "David Battles helped us achieve our philanthropic goals," he continued.

Battles, the Foundation’s executive vice president, provided a CGA illustration for the Crooches as well as explained the benefits the gift will provide to them and Circle of Care. Billy Meade, the Foundation’s controller and treasurer, provided comprehensive information on the tax benefits as well as income payments from the annuity.

The CGA was attractive to John and Jamie for its practicality. With this plan, they receive payments monthly, quarterly, or annually, as well as tax benefits. After they pass away, the remaining funds will establish an endowment to benefit Circle of Care.

"A charitable gift annuity is a great way to make an impact on ministry. We benefit now, and certainly Circle of Care will benefit from the gift later," said John."It’s nice to give now instead of waiting until we are gone. Having the satisfaction of giving now is personally a great value and benefit," he continued.

"My only regret is we can’t do more. However, we hope others will use the Foundation and the different giving vehicles available to make an impact on ministries like Circle of Care."

John and Jamie, lifelong United Methodists, attend New Covenant United Methodist Church in Edmond. John’s clergy career extended across 47 years in the Oklahoma Conference.