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WHITNEY GERTRUDE VANDERBILT WHITNEY SOCIETY Whitney Museum of American Art 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street New York, NY 10021 whitney.org Tel. (212) 570-7700 Fax (212) 606-0387 plannedgiving@whitney.org October 18, 2010 Mr. Ed Clark 4 W 22nd St New York, NY 10010-5802 Dear Mr. Clark, I am sure you have read reports of the Museum's plans to break ground on a new downtown building at the base of the High Line next spring. This ambitious project will ensure that the Whitney can realize its mission to be the defining museum of 20th- and 21st-century American art. There can be no doubt that this is the Whitney's moment. As a long-time member of the Museum and a regular visitor to all the Whitney's enlightening exhibitions, I very much wanted to play a part in this historical endeavor. I had long thought I would leave the Museum something in my Will, but as the excitement over the new building grew, I decided to make a gift that I could enjoy in my lifetime. I chose to a fund a charitable annuity with the Whitney. When I funded my annuity, I was able to accomplish great deal financially and philanthropically: • I funded my gift with appreciated stock and paid no capital gains tax on the transfer to charity. • I am able to claim a charitable income tax deduction against my taxes in the year of my gift. • The guaranteed lifetime income stream I receive from my gift is more than the dividends I received from the stock I donated -- and better even than many other available secure investment options. • I removed the asset from my taxable estate. • And, most importantly, I have the great pleasure of knowing that my contribution will benefit a Museum that I love. Gift annuities do a great deal to help the Whitney plan for its very bright future. I encourage you to learn more about them by reading the enclosed brochure (note the annuity rates for a donor your age)and by reaching out to Stephanie Adams, the Whitney's Planned Giving Director, at 9212) 570-7700 or stepahnie_adams@whitney.org. She will be happy to discuss how an annuity might work for you, and you will be under no obligation to make a gift. Thank you for all you do for the Museum and for your consideration of this opportunity. We are all looking forward to the fall exhibitions including Paul Thek, Charles LeDray, Lee Friedlander, Edward Hopper, and so much more. Do not miss any of it! Sincerely, Frances Dakers Frances Dakers