Having lived in San Diego since 1997, Tom learned of the work that Mama’s Kitchen did in the community through

various events and programs around the County.  When Wells Fargo, Tom’s employer, became involved in Mama’s Kitchen’s annual Pie in the Sky fundraiser as the presenting sponsor, Tom was able to work closely with Mama’s Kitchen and see firsthand the services being provided to hundreds of San Diegans in need.  From there, Tom and his partner Andy began volunteering and eventually Tom joined the Board of Directors.

“After becoming more involved and seeing the work that was being done at Mama’s, my partner Andy and I both

gained more and more respect for Mama’s Kitchen’s mission. Mama’s Kitchen is efficiently run, grassroots and

volunteer driven, with its primary focus on serving its clients. We love that, and feel that this is the best “investment” we can make back into the community.”

Tom chose to designate Mama’s Kitchen as a beneficiary from his 401(k) plan primarily because it was so easy.  “I requested an updated beneficiary form from our benefits department, filled it out, and it was done.”

Did you know that the recipient of your bequeathed 401K plan may pay as much as 55% in combined federal and state income taxes? At this time there is no federal estate tax. If you donate to Mama’s Kitchen, there are no tax penalties on your gift and Mama’s Kitchen will put the fullness of your contribution towards feeding San Diegans with AIDS or cancer. Previously an IRA owner age 70 1/2 or over could directly transfer tax free up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charitable organization, regardless of whether or not they itemized their deductions. Unfortunately this option expired at the end of 2009.

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