Pacific Opera Victoria established the Bravo Society to recognize individuals who have let them know they’ve left a bequest, and to celebrate long-standing friendships. This program allows POV to honour these generous supporters during their lifetime, and offer unique events that enhance their experience of Pacific Opera Victoria. These are a few of their stories.

Donor Profile:  Barbara Housser

Music has always been a big part of Barbara Housser’s life. She began playing violin at the age of three and eventually became an elementary school music teacher. In her 20s, Barbara studied in Europe and visited every great opera house on the continent to listen to performances.
“My love of opera has been there for a long time and has grown as a result of being involved with POV [Pacific Opera Victoria],” says Barbara. 

In the early 1980s, Barbara was invited to join the POV board. “We struggled so much in the early days.” But the challenge led to a sense of ownership as she and other volunteers worked hard to keep POV alive. And that sense of commitment is still with her today.
“That is what motivated me to give something to POV in my will,” she says. “I want to make sure that what we as a community worked so hard to create will live on for future generations.”

As chair of POV’s Special Events Committee, Barbara was part of a team that initiated effective programs such as the popular Sense of Occasion Opening Night Gala and the Student Dress Rehearsals.

Barbara is well-known in Victoria as a highly successful entrepreneur who ran her family business, Sam’s Deli, for 28 years. Her professional and volunteer achievements are considerable. Even more remarkable is that she accomplished so much while raising three children and caring for her family. Part of her extensive legacy will live on in a thriving POV.

Donor Profile:  Pendril Brown

Pendril Brown has always been interested in opera. He had been listening to the Met broadcasts for years, and when POV started an opera guild, it was inevitable that he would join. His wife, Betty, didn’t share his interest, at first, but he persuaded her to attend a performance. To his delight, she loved it! That was when the couple started to volunteer on opera nights at the McPherson Theatre. And when POV moved to the Royal Theatre, they were there too, handing out programs. 

Pendril and Betty enjoyed a full and active life, riding their bicycles to work for 25 years, volunteering extensively in the community, and attending operas and concerts at the Conservatory. After Betty died in 2009, Pendril changed his will to include a bequest to several of his favourite charities. “When I make contributions now, I always send them in memory of Betty.”

“I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” says Pendril. “I talked to my lawyer about the technical details. We always had things planned so that our son and daughter would be significant beneficiaries. I also thought about the capital gains tax that would be payable on my estate. A large portion of it will be offset by the bequest to POV.”

Understanding the tax advantages of a bequest, Pendril was even more inclined to name POV in his will. “If you are fond of POV and you want to see it continue into the future, then a bequest is a simple way to make a difference.”

Donor Profile: Joe and Linda Harvey

Linda and Joe Harvey wear their Bravo Society pins to every POV event they attend.
“It’s a wonderful idea to have a society to recognize people who have left a gift in their wills,” they say. “We love the feeling of belonging to the POV donor family. People often ask about our Bravo Society pins, and we are always delighted to share the meaning that they have for us.”

Linda’s love of opera began in the ’40s when she and her Dad used to sit in the kitchen on Saturday afternoons listening to the Texaco Metropolitan Opera broadcasts.
“It was such valuable time with my Dad,” she says. “He loved opera and I began to listen as he listened, though it was years before I actually went to a live opera.”

Joe’s interest in opera blossomed because of Linda, and they started to listen to the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts together. Now, they both look forward to their nights out at the opera. 

Joe and Linda met at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he was a biology professor and plant geneticist, and she was a librarian in the science libraries. They both worked full time all their lives. Now retired, they have achieved a modest but comfortable lifestyle.

“We have no family to worry about and have never been big spenders, so it made sense to include a bequest to POV in our wills.”

Joe stresses the importance of their bequest being undesignated because they believe that the funds should go to whatever the organization needs at the time. “We want this wonderful opera company to keep going, so others can enjoy opera as much as we have.”

Simple Steps to Making or Updating a Will

1. Consult a lawyer who specializes in wills and estate planning. 

2. Decide who should benefit - spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, charitable organizations. A charitable bequest can reduce the taxes payable by an estate.

3. Decide whether the amount will be specific or a percentage of the residue of the estate to each beneficiary.

4. In consultation with a lawyer and financial advisor, decide whether to give cash or other assets, such as property, proceeds of a RRSP, RRIF, or life insurance policy, or publicly traded securities. These decisions can reduce the tax the estate has to pay. Also, consider making gifts outside of the will to avoid the cost and delay of probate or to keep a gift private.

5. Choose an executor with sound judgment to ensure the estate is settled according to plan. An executor can be a trusted family member, friend or professional advisor. 

6. Talk to family members about philanthropic intentions so they understand and can help achieve charitable goals.

7. For a bequest to charities, let them know so they can ensure wishes will be fulfilled - and so they can honour and recognize generosity now. 

8. Keep a will in a safe place: in a vault at the estate lawyer’s office, or in a safety deposit box or safe - and tell executors where it can be found. Make at least one copy.

9. Review and update a will periodically to ensure it reflects current wishes and any life changes, such as a marriage, divorce, death of a beneficiary, or birth of a child or grandchild, or a material change in finances.

NOVEMBER 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND