Share Your Legacy - Institute for Justice

IJ’s Four Pillars Society members are helping us build a remarkable legacy with their planned gifts to the Institute for Justice. Each member plays a vital role in ensuring that the freedoms we hold dear are preserved for generations to come.

Inspired by the commitment of the Society’s members, IJ asked them to share their reasons for including IJ in their long-term plans. Read their inspirational submissions below:

I am proud to be a member of the Institute for Justice’s Four Pillars Society. While I raise my kids and grow my business and career, I can rest easy knowing IJ is fighting the good fight for the present and the future. IJ is a world-class organization with the foundation and infrastructure to continue the work to protect liberty for as long as it is needed. For what good is leaving my children an inheritance in a society that is not free?

Katie Cleary Bencken

Austin, TX

IJ is one of the few organizations succeeding in rolling back government overreach in real people’s lives. IJ’s work is much needed, both today and in the future. We have been shocked at the ridiculous laws highlighted in your videos and newsletters. As you have been able to overturn them both in the court of public opinion as well as in the court of law, we feel victorious. Three areas of special concern for us are eminent domain, civil forfeiture, and school choice. The government is supposed to protect property rights, not permit the politically connected to abuse them. Opportunities to obtain quality education are essential if the less fortunate are to escape poverty.

Bruce and Nancy Littlefield

Oley, PA

The Institute for Justice has effectively, economically, and successfully fought on behalf of individual liberty on all fronts. But IJ wins not only in the courtroom. IJ has built strong and diverse coalitions around issues such as eminent domain, and aggressively and truthfully waged a public relations war on behalf of liberty. IJ has an impressive track record that merits the support of those who believe in individual liberty. I am proud to support IJ as a member of the Four Pillars Society.

Brian Schar

Menlo Park, CA

IJ is worthy of my long-time support because of its creative, effective litigation strategies in the court of law and the court of public opinion; its defense of many clients who would otherwise have little chance of effectively defending themselves; and its consistency of focus and progress on all the above during the nearly 20 years that I have been supporting IJ.

Rick Hower

Reston, VA

For far too long the ‘little guy’ has been disadvantaged by people in power who use their influence to privilege themselves via ‘rent seeking.’ This results in the limitation of the economic freedom and civil rights of those who wish to compete in the marketplaces of ideas and business. I see IJ as the main, and by far the most successful, of the defenders of these folks. I fully support IJ’s efforts and want to see it continuing its mission and build on its past success.

Dr. Gerson Kaplan

Columbia, MD

Many years ago I had the pleasure to attend many lectures from Andrew Galambos, an astrophysicist. He had developed a hypothesis called the science of volition. He developed this thesis on how human behavior could be explained by science and the scientific method. The basis of it was a definition of property and the vital importance of private property. I am very sensitive to what IJ is trying to accomplish which is to protect individuals and their property from the ominous power of the state. IJ is one great bastion for the protection of private property and the liberty of the individual. I can’t think of a more important cause to support and to shape a better future for our country.

Ned Momary

Manhattan Beach, CA

We are so proud to support IJ. The work IJ is doing, the carefully selected cases, and the PR you continue to generate is impressive. It’s a well-run organization with significant impact. Keep up the great work! And thank you all for continuing to defend individual rights and freedoms

Chris and Lydia Ash

Menlo Park, CA

My grandparents came to the US from Europe seeking freedom – political freedom and economic freedom. They took great risks to do so. During my lifetime, we have seen significant inroads made into our freedoms by governments at all levels. IJ stands against the wrong-headed of those inroads, and I stand with IJ.

Larry DeYoung

Devon, PA

When I read the inspirational stories of how IJ battles (and wins over) the government and bureaucratic overreach, it makes me proud to support this organization. I feel I am a part of this success. Keep up the outstanding work!

Michael Gardner

Albuquerque, NM

So much injustice in our country! It’s impossible not to feel angry, outraged, and indignant at how our government infringes on our individual freedoms. Instead of feeling helpless, we can feel like we are participating in the solution: IJ! After all, the next victim of big government might be us!

Roy and Maria Folsom

East Glacier Park, MT

After making contributions to IJ for many years, and observing the results from the bulletins, it was clear to me that IJ deserved the most support I could manage. As a lawyer myself, and someone who has been interested in the ideas of Ayn Rand for over 40 years, I find IJ’s work to be a critical element in the long battle over America’s cultural orientation. I still make modest annual contributions, but making a bequest to IJ in my will was simple and satisfying.

Bruce Dalcher

Norfolk, VA

I am deeply committed to securing freedom for the next generation. Thanks to the Institute for Justice, future generations will not face the same unjust laws and barriers to opportunity. That’s why my wife and I decided to include the Institute in our estate plans and become members of the Four Pillars Society. With our legacy gift to the Institute, we are helping to hold back the relentless growth of government.

Robert A. Levy

IJ Board Member

The Institute for Justice is the most effective freedom-fighting organization I know of, which is why I support it financially and proudly serve on the Board. But why did my wife and I decide to participate in the Four Pillars Society, the impact of which we won’t be here to see? Our answer is best expressed in this famous quote from Ronald Reagan: ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

Kenneth N. Levy

IJ Board Member

Regardless of where you are politically, let your mind walk with IJ’s clients! Think how you’d welcome IJ’s help if your business got crushed by bogus barriers protecting competitors; or your child was trapped in a sub-standard school; or you got fined for advertising your business or joining with neighbors to fight for public integrity; or your perfectly good home or business was called “blighted” by government and bulldozed to suit better-connected interests. IJ shows commendable enthusiasm and dedication in winning well-deserved victories for its clients, thus advancing freedom for all Americans! That’s why I support IJ.

Ruth Baker

Boyertown, PA

One of the very few organizations that understand how and why our founding fathers wrote the constitution and bill of rights and how the government has subverted, twisted, ignored, and almost destroyed it and our country. You fight for our freedoms taking on corrupt and clueless courts and government agencies. America is almost lost. If I had a huge estate you would get a lot more! Please keep fighting and finding young lawyers who know how freedom is supposed to function. Lucky one, I never needed you, but if I did I know you would be there.

Hercy Lord

Lyme, CT

I grew up in a large family that struggled through the Great Depression. The experience left me with a strong sense of independence and a burning desire to succeed. There were a couple of roadblocks put in my path along the way: a union incident and the US Draft. I have always questioned, ‘Who decides?’ I found IJ over 20 years ago willing to fight for others who questioned, ‘Who decides?’ in their quest to make their own decisions. IJ – the perfect partner to carry out our ideals – together.

Joe Harrison

Apple River, IL

The Institute for Justice in one of the like-minded organizations that I support. All of them are dedicated to preserving the freedoms we enjoy and preserving the principles of constitutional government that keeps us free from tyrannical government. I am a first generation American. My folks migrated here from Italy in the early 1900s. The decision they made to immigrate has been a blessing for me. I am so happy to be an American and I want to help preserve what makes this country great.

Matthew Greco

Leesburg, FL

IJ does the heavy lifting. They don’t just write articles, but really change things. It’s amazing how many laws get passed to restrict a person’s right to earn an honest living. IJ gets things changed for the better. Keep it up!! I’m especially happy about IJ’s fight against this horrible asset forfeiture thing. Thanks to the terrible ‘war on drugs.’ Thanks, IJ for your battle against asset forfeiture laws.

James Kilpatrick and Peggy Grose

Austin, TX

To my knowledge, IJ is one of a very few organizations dedicated to the concept of private property as both a legal and moral right. Private property is necessary in sustaining a free and rights protecting society. There are several organizations that promote freedom and individual rights. Most of them work through education, public speaking, or political action. IJ actively brings about real change by seeking legal precedent that will have consequences far into the future

Mel Sanderson

Alachua, FL

“IJ supports my beliefs in reducing governmental control and unfair practices. I have had IJ contact city officials to remove unfair restrictions on advertising displays. They were prompt and the matter was dropped by the city of Everett, WA. Keep up the good work and keep the pressure on the violators.” – Ronald Behar, Mercer Island, WA

“I have never been disappointed in my decision to support IJ…” (more from G. Gregory Bauer, Oakland, CA)

“Advocate for liberty in the judicial system and in public relations.” – Michael Chastain, Austin, TX

“Here is what a huge difference the Institute for Justice made in Ventura, California…” (more from Camille Harris, Santa Rosa, CA)

“The think tanks and academic groups do important work, but only IJ is in the trenches every day…” (more from Don Hauptman, New York City)

“I first became aware of IJ when its attorneys successfully argued the Loving tax preparer case in 2012…” (more from Jane Johnson, Ventura, CA)

“It’s a great help to those who generally have no clout- and you provide that. You are loyal and constant to your mission. You are pretty wonderful.” – Angela Lennox-Kay, Hackettstown, NJ

“You deliver. Best bang for our buck. You are successful in legally fighting for our rights as U.S. citizens. No one else does it better. Thank you for your work.” – Dr. Ann Loudermilk and Mr. William Jakielaszek, Weymouth, MA

“IJ is one of the most incredible organizations I know in terms of preserving the constitutional rights of our citizens. IJ has given ‘muscle’ to little people with limited resources to fight government (and monopoly) abuses. IJ opened up opportunities for people to make a living for themselves and to make educational choices as they see fit for their children.” – Adel Luzuriaga, Glendale, CA

“Without dedicated citizens working for justice, many are left with pain, stress, constant defeat, suffering and a loss of hope. I know my support of IJ, both financially and through public praise and recognition, assures this dedicated group will always be fighting for the rights of those without the resources to fight for themselves. Against overreaching governments and endless special interests, IJ continues to post win after win—especially in cases focused on economic liberty—for those who otherwise don’t have a fighting chance.” – Patrick McAleer, Bloomington, IN

“I believe rights belong with the individual unless government has an overriding interest and have admired and given to IJ for its actions (not just words) to protect/redeem people from overreaching government.” – Peter Moyer, Incline Village, NV

“As a believer in freedom and individual responsibility, I believe money contributed to IJ has more long range impact in promoting these values than any organization I know of.” – James Rice, Kansas City, MO

“As an Institute for Justice client, I say what every other client says: ‘I’m pursuing these actions through the Institute for Justice because I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.’ Any support I can give to IJ is an investment in preserving liberties for all.” – Karen Sampson, Parker North, CO

“I believe I first became aware of the Institute for Justice back in the early ‘90s…” (more from Thomas and Linda Sartorius, Raleigh, NC)

“Turned 18 the year that age could vote- McGovern (I was 18!) after that I became a Libertarian and have followed you for several decades. I am now facing pancreatic cancer and took advantage of the matching gift presented several months ago. 30 years of small retail, Ayn Rand lover, and so appreciate what you do.” – Susan Schinsing, Oceana, CA

“Everyone wants to carry on a legacy, and I cannot think of a more deserving organization than the Institute for Justice…” (more from Jennifer Schulz, Waxhaw, NC)

“IJ is one of the few organizations making a real difference in protecting individual liberty. IJ does a great job of identifying clients and cases that offer opportunities for victories, and then does a good job publicizing those stories. As an attorney I have great appreciation for the results IJ achieves.” – Charles Solley, Atlanta, GA

“The Institute for Justice consistently and effectively defends individual freedom against overreaching government actions. It operates from principle, not politics.” – William P. Vockel, Traverse City, MI

“Good versus evil is one of the most enduring themes in the movies…” (more from Michael Wahl, Wilmington, DE)

“Four Pillars“, a poem by Nick Wolf, Danbury, CT

“Defense of individual rights. Helps the little guy. My last attorney thought you did good work.” – Robert Zimmerman, Las Vegas, NV

IJ’s Four Pillars Society members are helping us build a remarkable legacy with their planned gifts to the Institute for Justice. Each member plays a vital role in ensuring that the freedoms we hold dear are preserved for generations to come.

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