Planned Giving
The Syracuse Orchestra Legacy Society honors individuals who are helping secure the future of symphonic music in Syracuse and Central New York through thoughtful legacy gifts—such as bequests in their wills, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, charitable trusts, and donor-advised funds.
Anonymous (3)
David & Cheryl* Abrams
Kathleen Bice
Susan Boettger
William & Ruth Bradner*
Evelyn Brenzel* & Anne Marie Cronin*
Larry* & Mary Frances Comfort
Cissie Fairchilds*
Joshua & Gloria Goldberg*
Richard R. Hall
William Hanley*
Nan Haylor*
Martin Hewitt
Harold L. Husovsky, MD & Susan E. Stred, MD
Helen Jennings*
Molly & Robert King*
Susan R. Klen
Robert Scheer*
Mary Ellen Trimble*
Donald Waful*
Michael Waters*
Jannie Woo*
*Deceased
Leave Your Musical Legacy!
Leaving a legacy is about more than a planned gift — it’s about supporting the talented professional musicians who bring The Syracuse Orchestra to life. Plan your gift to help ensure these artists can continue to perform as a staple of the Syracuse community. Your support allows the Orchestra to keep playing for generations to come.
How to Join
- Speak with your financial advisor or attorney (see our list of trusted advisors below)
- Include The Syracuse Orchestra in your estate, list us as a beneficiary, or include us in your will
- Notify The Orchestra so we can recognize YOU as a Legacy Society member
Lifetime vs. Legacy Giving
Giving now is the impact you see in your lifetime. Your planned gift is the impact you can have forever. It is the story you leave behind.
Here is a List of Financial Advisors and Partners We Trust:
Financial Advising:
- Banker’s Life Insurance, (315) 431-2980
- Community Bank, (800) 234-5228
- Key Bank, (315) 425-8600
- Madison Financial Planning Services, (315) 870-3703
- Primerica, (
- Rockbridge Investments, (315) 671-0588
- Urist Financial, (315) 445-2147
Estate Planning:
- Hancock Estabrook, (315) 565-4500
- Bond, Shoeneck & King, (315) 218-8000
- Bousquet Holstein, (315) 422-1500
Philanthropic Partners
- Central New York Community Foundation, (315) 422-9538
To request a brochure or to notify us of your plans, please fill out the form below:
FAQ
*Please note that we suggest you seek legal advice from a licensed professional.
The Legacy Society honors donors who have included The Syracuse Orchestra in their estate plans or other planned giving arrangements.
Anyone who makes a planned gift, regardless of the amount, can join. Membership is open to all supporters who want to sustain the Orchestra’s mission.
Gifts may include bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, retirement account designations, or other estate planning options.
A planned gift can be any amount and depends on your own philanthropic and financial circumstance.
Yes, you can write your own will, and yes, you can have it notarized (you don’t have to unless you live in Louisiana).
If you want to write your own will, you need to follow a few requirements to make it legally valid:
- State clearly in the document that it is your last will and testament
- Include your full legal name, so it’s clear the document belongs to you
- State that you’re of sound mind and not under pressure from someone else to write your will
- Sign your will in front of witnesses, following the laws in your state
Legacy gifts help sustain professional musicians’ careers, fund concerts and educational programs, and ensure live orchestral music remains accessible to the community.
No. You can notify us of your intent to include The Orchestra in your estate plans and join the Legacy Society at any time.
Recognition is optional. Members can choose to be publicly acknowledged or remain anonymous.
Simply notify us by contacting Riley Farnham at RFarnham@SyracuseOrchestra.org or at (315) 434-5647. I am happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions. You may also fill out the form above.
Yes. Planned gifts can be adjusted as your circumstances or priorities change.
Members are recognized in publications both digital and on occasion in print, at events, and through personal correspondence. Your gift also helps sustain the professional musicians who make every performance possible. We also invite Legacy members to private events, meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes rehearsals.