LAKEPORT, Calif. – In an uncertain economy, charitable giving can be challenged by our perceived ability to support a favored charity while maintaining personal financial health.

On one hand, we know and understand the value provided by charitable organizations and the increased need for the services they provide, but our focus may have shifted to one that underscores concerns about individual or family financial health.

Resulting questions such as, “Why should I give right now?” and “How can I make a gift that will fit my needs?” can cast a shadow over our desire to make a difference.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital is proud to host a seminar, “How to Be Charitable in Uncertain Economic Times” on Thursday, June 10, in the hospital conference room from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

W. Gary Ogburn, J.D., a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law in 1982, is director of gift planning for Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

Ogburn will be the main presenter with testimonials from local financial business leaders such as John Tomkins of John H. Tomkins Tax Consultants and Dennis Fordham of Law Offices of Dennis A. Fordham estate planning specialist.

Ogburn’s common sense, innovative and progressive approach to gift planning makes him an engaging and demanded speaker.

“My goal is to help individuals learn how to achieve desired charitable giving, while maintaining sound financial planning practices in the current economic environment,” said Ogburn, who will share a number of ideas that present attendees with easy-to-understand information about the benefits associated with gift planning.

Ogburn will touch on topics including:

• Deferring or eliminating capital gains;

• Increasing guaranteed retirement income;

• Creative charitable uses for real estate;

• Easing the income tax burden after a Roth IRA conversion.

Economic uncertainty requires that people explore new ways to secure their financial situation, but that does not necessarily mean they must be less charitable. Charitable gift planning, in concert with long-term financial and estate planning, offers many opportunities.

The information can seem daunting and the process difficult to navigate or manage. In this seminar, attendees will learn how a gift of any size, pooled with others, helps organizations meet critical community needs and changes lives, and yet still provide a number of benefits for donors and their families.

To register for the seminar or for more information, please contact Tammi Silva, Sutter Lakeside Hospital Foundation Director at 707-262-5189 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Seating is limited to 50. Refreshments will be served.

To learn more about Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s services, how to find a doctor, when the next educational class or support group is being held or to watch a video from our patients, physicians and staff, please visit www.sutterlakeside.org.