Former educators Bob and Charlene George utilize IRA Charitable Rollover to give local.

From meeting at Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in the 1950s to becoming the first “husband-and-wife team” in the Anamosa Community School District, Charlene and Bob George have always shared a passion for education.

Bob taught industrial technology for 36 years at Anamosa High School, and Charlene taught first grade for four and a half years. After the birth of their first child, she became a full-time mom and active community volunteer, leading a successful $2.2 million fundraising effort to build a new community library.

“We came to Anamosa and we were the first husband and wife team they ever had in Anamosa Schools,” says Charlene. “We’ve been paid by the tax payers with our jobs and now we’re giving back to share.”

This year, the Georges supported the Anamosa Schools, Jones County Regional Hospital and the Jones County Coalition for Safe and Healthy Youth thanks to the IRA Charitable Rollover. This federal legislation allows individuals age 70 ½ and up to donate up to $100,000 to charities from an individual retirement account without a tax penalty.

“For years, this community paid my salary, so this is one way of giving back,” says Bob.

“It's a win-win for the charity and the client,” says Amy Cooper, the Georges’ financial advisor. “If you give to an endowment at the Community Foundation, there’s the added tax benefits of 25% Endow Iowa State Tax Credit."

Today, the Georges remain active members of the community.

“You give because you feel like giving,” says Bob. “And when you don't need the money yourself, why not?”

“That’s right,” adds Charlene. “It just makes sense.”

To learn more about the IRA Charitable Rollover, visit www.dbqfoundation.org/donors. 

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