The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is deeply grateful to longtime donor and subscriber Don McDonald, who recently chose to create a charitable gift annuity with the LA Phil. His generous contribution will both support him throughout his life and provide critical funds to help the LA Phil bring music to millions across Southern California.
When he began thinking about his estate, McDonald said the choice was an easy one: “My wife, Sally, was a devoted member of the Foothill Philharmonic Committee. For years she went to the Friday concerts with friends from the Committee. As I grew closer to retirement, she included me in attending the concerts—I would go with her on Sundays.”
Don and Sally had been married for 52 years when she passed away in May of 2018. “I decided that some extra support for the LA Phil would be a good thing in Sally’s memory,” McDonald said. “A way to continue on with her love of the symphony.”
Don and his friends from the Foothill Philharmonic Committee continue to attend LA Phil shows together. “This year, the absolute highlight was seeing the Mahler concerts,” McDonald said of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel’s leading of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 last fall. “I’m a big fan of percussion, and that was a great experience.”
Once again, we truly thank Don for making this meaningful commitment to the LA Phil. His generosity will ensure that the music he and Sally loved so much will continue to be played for generations to come.
Don's commitment to the LA Phil has such strong impact because it ensures his legacy as well as ours, honors his beloved wife Sally and celebrates their shared love for the LA Phil. At the same time, his gift retains an ongoing income stream to secure his retirement.
There are many ways to make a legacy gift today. Please let us know if you have already made a legacy gift or need additional information. Keep reading too, to find out about special learning opportunities for LA Phil supporters.
You may also contact us at legacy@laphil.org or 213 972 3458 with any questions about including the LA Phil in your estate plan.
Learn more about creating a legacy with the LA Phil
Passing the Baton is a series of in-person and virtual seminars where LA Phil supporters meet and learn from trusted professionals about the many ways their financial and estate plans can accomplish their legacy goals: caring for their families and the LA Phil, ensuring that the art of music continues for generations to come.
Past topics have included how to choose a trustee, preparing heirs, family philanthropy, and estate planning for LGBTQ+ families and individuals. Seminars are complimentary and feature a reception and special performance by an LA Phil musician. Learn more here for more information or email legacy@laphil.org to be invited to future seminars.