Bequests
When Sacramento native Laura Kellen enrolled in American River College over 20 years ago, her direction was unclear. "I didn't have any real role models. I just kept showing up to school, semester after semester, taking classes part-time, sort of muddling through and doing the best I could," recalls Kellen.
Soon, a much clearer picture began to form.
"I started believing that I could eventually transfer to a university, and I got a student assistant job in the college library. ARC really helped me to build my confidence," said Kellen. While she went on to earn degrees from both CSU Sacramento and San Jose State University, American River College's impact on Kellen can't be understated. "I really wouldn't be where I am today without starting at Los Rios."
Happy and successful is how she now describes herself in her role as Outreach Librarian for the Braille and Talking Book Library, which is a part of the California State Library in downtown Sacramento. The section serves anyone in Northern California unable to read standard print due to a visual disability, physical disability, or print disability (i.e. reading disability or other "invisible" disorder.) The library holds thousands of braille volumes and over 140,000 audiobooks.
For the past 12 years, Kellen has also worked with Canine Companions, currently raising her 6th service puppy in training. The local puppy raiser chapter she works with also organizes group outings to expose the puppies to different experiences, including Disneyland, where the trainers take the dogs on rides such as "It's A Small World" and the "Jungle Cruise."
Kellen's canine graduates have all moved on to support individuals with specific medical needs, veterans, and children with autism.
She is also giving back to the college that helped her get her start. In 2014, Kellen established the ARC Laura Kellen Scholarship to support students majoring in business. She still wanted to do more, so she worked with her attorney to designate ARC as the recipient of her estate. This bequest will ensure ARC's students have the opportunity receive a life-changing education for generations to come.
Is a charitable bequest right for you?
We have resources that will help you learn more about bequests. Click here to review sample bequest language. You will see how easy it is to include a bequest in your will or trust.
You might find it helpful to print this page and the bequest language. Please feel free to give this information to your attorney. If he or she has any questions, please contact us.
*Please note: The names and image above are representative of a typical donor and may or may not be an actual donor to our organization. Since your benefits may be different, you may want to click here to view an example of your benefits.
