Leave a legacy
Leave a lasting legacy
Include Second Harvest in your will, estate plan or trust
Kay Porta, Second Harvest Founder
About Kay
In 1971, Kay Porta gathered a scrappy group of volunteers to create what was then called “The Food Bank.” As a child welfare provider with the Department of Social and Health Services, Kay witnessed firsthand how hunger affected families in our community. She believed with her whole heart that food is a basic human need that connects us all.
What began with a simple meeting and a thousand cases of donated salmon has blossomed into Second Harvest, now serving neighbors across the Inland Northwest. Kay rolled up her sleeves and got to work, proving that one person’s determination can grow into something truly amazing.
Today, the Kay Porta Legacy Society honors folks who share Kay’s vision by including Second Harvest in their will or estate plans. Your legacy gift helps ensure that no neighbor goes hungry, today or tomorrow.
A legacy that nourishes
Food connects us all
Just as Kay believed that food is the thread that connects our community, your legacy gift creates connections that span generations. When you include Second Harvest in your estate plans, you’re not just providing meals – you’re creating moments where families gather around tables, where neighbors help neighbors, and where our community grows stronger through food.
The impact of your legacy
Your legacy gift provides more than meals – it creates lasting change in our community. Here’s what different levels of support could mean over time:
Strenghten families
A bequest of $10,000 could provide food for over 30,000 meals, allowing families across Eastern Washington and North Idaho to share stories and create memories instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from.
Expand our reach
A percentage of your estate could help ensure that thousands of children and their families receive the nourishment they need to thrive for generations to come. About 40% of local people facing hunger are kids.
Help feed the future
A percentage of your estate could help ensure that 3,000 school children receive weekend Bite2Go kits each year, giving them the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive for generations to come.
Mark says. “Acting on what we’re passionate about makes for a better community.”
Common questions
Where will my gift make the most impact?
Every gift makes a difference, but we’re happy to talk with you about your specific interests. Our services are open to everyone who needs help with food, and we can help you align your legacy gift with the areas you’re most passionate about.
Is a legacy gift only for wealthy donors?
Not at all! Legacy gifts come in all sizes, and every gift makes a difference. Whether it’s a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate, your contribution will help feed neighbors for years to come.
Can I direct my gift to a specific program?
Absolutely. We’d be happy to talk with you about directing your legacy gift to a program that’s meaningful to you, whether that’s our Mobile Market, Bite2Go weekend meals for kids, or another area of our work.
What about my family's needs?
This is a common and completely understandable concern. Many of our legacy donors find ways to support both their loved ones and causes they care about. Options like leaving a percentage of your estate (even a small one) or designating Second Harvest as a contingent beneficiary can allow you to prioritize family while still making a meaningful difference. We’re happy to discuss flexible approaches that ensure your family’s needs come first while still creating your legacy of serving people facing hunger.
What if I change my mind?
That’s completely OK! Your will or estate plan can be changed at any time. We understand that circumstances change, and we’re grateful for whatever support you’re able to provide.
Do I need to tell Second Harvest about my legacy gift?
While it’s not required, letting us know about your plans helps us thank you properly and welcome you to the Kay Porta Legacy Society. It also helps us plan for the future. Any information you share will be kept confidential.
Resources & financial Information
Plant seeds of hope for future generations
Explore a few of the ways you can include Second Harvest in your will, estate plan, or trust.
Free Will Planning Tool
Need a will but haven’t gotten around to it? FreeWill offers a simple, secure online tool that helps you create a legally valid will in about 20 minutes — at no cost to you. It’s our way of saying thanks, whether or not you choose to include Second Harvest in your plans.
Sample Bequest Language
If you have your own attorney, all you need is the sample language below to add a legacy gift to Second Harvest.
“I bequeath to Second Harvest Inland Northwest, in the state of Washington, (dollars) (or a specific asset) (or a percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) in support of its mission.”
Remember to include our legal information:
- Legal Name: Second Harvest Inland Northwest
- Tax ID Number: 23-7173826
- Address: 1234 E. Front Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202
Second Harvest Legal Information
- Second Harvest is a 501(c)(3)
- Tax-exempt identification number: 23-7173826
- Legal name: Second Harvest Inland Northwest
- Address: 1234 E. Front Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202
Beneficiary Designations
You can designate all or a percentage of your IRA or other retirement account, bank account, donor-advised fund, or life insurance policy to Second Harvest as a beneficiary while minimizing estate and income tax for your heirs.
This is often as simple as filling out a form from your provider – no attorney needed! It’s a great way to make a significant impact without affecting your current financial situation.
Already included Second Harvest in your estate plan?
If you have already included us in your estate plan, please fill out this brief form so we can celebrate your contribution to serve people facing hunger for years to come.
We’d love to welcome you to the Kay Porta Legacy Society and thank you properly for your forward-thinking generosity that will help nourish our neighbors when they need it most.
Professional Advisors
We deeply value the role that charitable giving plays in your clients’ lives. We know that for many, supporting causes they care about isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a reflection of their values and legacy.
That’s why we’re dedicated to partnering closely with you to craft giving solutions that resonate with your clients on a personal level. We see charitable planning as a collaborative journey, bringing together your client’s aspirations, your expert guidance, and our specialized knowledge in gift planning.
Together, we can help your clients create a meaningful impact that aligns with their unique story and goals. Whether it’s honoring a loved one, supporting a cause close to their heart, or leaving a lasting legacy, we’re here to help make those dreams a reality.
Ready to create your legacy?
Whether you’re just beginning to consider including a legacy of food and connection in your plans or you’ve already decided to do so, we’re here to help make the process simple and rewarding.
- Start a conversation Our team is happy to discuss how your gift can make the biggest impact on hunger in our community. We can answer your questions and help find the legacy option that best fits your values and goals.
- Explore your options Review the different ways you can make a legacy gift through bequests, retirement accounts, life insurance, or other assets.
Involve your family and advisors Share your intentions with loved ones and consult with financial or legal advisors to finalize your plans.
Let us know your plans When you’re ready, we’d love to welcome you to the Kay Porta Legacy Society and thank you for your generosity.