Through multiple planned gifts, Charles W. Per-Lee ’35 stretched his gift-giving capacity beyond what he ever thought possible. Per-Lee earned a modest income at a civilian position with the army, yet savings and investments from this salary and a similar amount from his wife provided the funds for establishing trusts at Princeton. In fact, he was able to donate a seven-figure amount over 17 years.
The “stretch” of Per-Lee’s giving extended to himself and his wife, three children, and three grandchildren through five trusts each thoughtfully set up for the beneficiaries. For example, the first trust was established in December 1990 to benefit two of his grandchildren. The trust has a term of 18 years with the percentage received by each beneficiary shifting over time, and based on their age. (One granddaughter saved her payments to help pay for college tuition.)
There’s another significant “stretch” to Per-Lee’s giving: over time, his five trusts, which incorporated a total of 17 gifts, have almost doubled from the original gift value. These gifts, as well as a gift annuity that provides secure payments to him at the rate of 11.3%, will benefit the Class of 1935 Northern Virginia Scholarship Fund. Per-Lee was astounded at what he accomplished for his family and for Princeton through gift planning. Shortly before he died, he said, “I never imagined that these trusts would grow to this extent. The figures are just amazing.”
