As a token of our gratitude to our patrons and supporters, the LA Phil is pleased to offer exclusive estate planning services through Thompson & Associates, a national leader in charitable estate planning, at no cost or obligation to you. This values-based approach empowers you to care for your loved ones while honoring the causes you cherish, all while achieving your financial goals and protecting your assets. 

How It Works

  • Introductory Meeting: You will begin with a confidential meeting with Darren, our Thompson & Associates consultant. You are welcome to include your loved ones and professional advisors in any meetings. If you choose to continue, you will schedule monthly meetings with Darren until you are fully satisfied with your plan. Generally, it takes four to six sessions to complete a plan. 
  • Legacy Goals and Objectives: In the initial stage, you will complete a questionnaire to identify your core values and goals. This will pinpoint the individuals and organizations you wish to include in your estate plan, guiding the options you are presented with.
  • Plan Development: Based on your personal financial philosophy, assets, and net worth, you will be presented with various estate planning options tailored to your objectives. You and Darren will then create a comprehensive blueprint of your plan.   
  • Plan Implementation: Please note that Thompson & Associates does not draft legal documents, manage money, sell services or products, or solicit gifts. Therefore, once your road map is complete, you will have a detailed plan to take to your own attorney and advisors for review, drafting, and finalization. If you need recommendations or referrals, our team is here to help.  
     

Meet Your Advisor

Darren Penny, Ph.D., MBA, FCEP
Executive Vice President, Thompson & Associates 

With more than 20 years of philanthropic experience, Darren has worked with higher-education institutions and healthcare organizations and has served on various volunteer boards and committees. He is deeply passionate about making an impact through philanthropic efforts. 

When not serving nonprofit organizations and their communities, Darren, who lives in Northern California, enjoys exploring the beauty of the West. Whether it’s backpacking, piloting, mountain biking, or running, the landscape of California and beyond is an irresistible invitation to explore. A proud six-year US Navy veteran, he served in a F/A-18 squadron on the West Coast.

Darren’s dedication to charitable values-based estate planning and excellence in the development profession is eclipsed only by his devotion to his wife and teenage children and his love of good food. 

For questions about gift and estate planning opportunities, or to schedule an appointment with Darren Penny, please contact the LA Phil’s Office of Gift Planning at legacy@laphil.org or 213 972 3458.