In keeping with the Brooks Fund’s mission to protect the dignity, safety and health of Middle Tennessee’s GLBT community, the third-annual Brooks Fund Speaker’s Series will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 13, with a free seminar on Couple’s Finances and Tax Planning conducted by local CPA Alice Crafts.
The presentation will focus on ways couples can better organize their daily finances and plan effectively for the impact of taxes. This initial offering of the 2007-2008 Brooks Fund Speakers Series will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the offices of Junior Achievement located at 120 Powell Avenue next to Home Depot at 100 Oaks. A light reception will lead off the evening at 5:30. There is no fee to attend the seminar, but pre registration is required. To register, please visit www.thebrooksfund.org or contact The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee at 615-321-4939.
“We all know that every couple has its share of challenges when they combine households. Due to the fact that GLBT couples aren’t able to take advantage of the majority of benefits that married heterosexual couples enjoy, we have to be twice as smart about protecting ourselves until we have those same rights. Every GLBT person should do everything in their power to ensure that they are making sound choices in their financial lives,” said Mike Smith, chair of the Brooks Fund. “I am so proud that the Brooks Fund is able to offer, free of charge, this invaluable chance to increase awareness of the financial planning and tax options available to GLBT people in our community. It truly is one hour that can affect your life and your financial standing.”
Alice Crafts has more than 25 years of experience as an accountant. Her client list includes a wide range of individuals and industries including real estate agents, private investors, medical practitioners, interior designers and other small businesses.
Future seminars in the 2007-2008 Brooks Fund Speakers Series will focus on the topics of Adoption Law on Nov. 15, and Long Range Financial Planning on Jan.17.
By supporting and encouraging the development of programs, the Brooks Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee increases philanthropic options and opportunities within the GLBT community. It was named for H. Franklin Brooks, a Vanderbilt professor of French and Italian for 25 years and an advocate for the inclusion of gays in Vanderbilt University’s anti-harassment policies.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 600 charitable funds. In the past fifteen years, The Community Foundation has distributed $320 million to community programs and institutions. Currently, The Community Foundation manages funds totaling $420 million.
