Warren Buffett's decision to leave 85% of his Berkshire Hathaway ownership stake, valued at more than $31 billion, to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and to four smaller foundations is only the most recent (though largest denominated) example of extraordinary, transforming philanthropy. Indeed, more than 10 "megagifts" of $100 million or more have been made in the past year, reflecting a growing trend in giving. It is noteworthy that many people, Warren Buffett included, have concluded that lifetime giving is preferable to estate giving because it enables the donor to be a personal steward of their philanthropy and lifetime gifts have many tax advantages.

Of course, you do not have to be Warren Buffett to forever enrich your community. Many people of far more modest means have ensured their legacies, experienced the joys attendant with major gift giving and have guaranteed that their favorite causes will endure for a very long time. And you have the opportunity to transform Hospice in a variety of interesting, impactful ways.