Join us in creating a lasting legacy
by including Walden in your estate plans.

At The Walden School, we believe in the power of music and creativity to transform lives and communities. By including The Walden School in your estate plans, you can help ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the life-changing musical experiences we offer.

Walden received its first bequest from beloved co-founder David Hogan, known as Hoagie (pictured above, center, with daughter Hilary Hogan-Miller), a remarkable musician and composer whose untimely death in July 1996 devastated the Walden community. Hogan was an alum of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program, and a longtime faculty member and director of The Walden School. Our planned giving society is named in honor of David Hogan, who so enriched the lives of all those associated with Walden. Just as Hoagie was, this group of visionary donors is deeply committed to Walden’s long-term success.

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Why Planned Giving?

Planned giving allows you to make a significant impact on The Walden School’s future without affecting your finances during your lifetime. It is a meaningful way to leave a legacy that reflects your values and supports a cause you care about deeply.

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Types of Planned Gifts

There are many ways to remember The Walden School in your estate plans. Some of the most common options include:

  • Bequests
    Include Walden in your will or trust by designating a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or particular asset to Walden.
  • Retirement Plans and Life Insurance
    Name Walden as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy.
  • Real Estate and Appreciated Securities
    Donate real estate or appreciated securities, which can provide you with tax benefits while supporting Walden.
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How to Make a Planned Gift

Making a planned gift is easier than you might think. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Consult with Your Advisors
    Speak with your financial or legal advisor to determine the best type of planned gift for your situation.
  2. Designate The Walden School
    Include specific language in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation forms to direct your gift to The Walden School.
  3. Inform Us of Your Intentions
    Let us know about your legacy gift intention, so that we can express our gratitude and recognize you as a member of The David Hogan Legacy Society.
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Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about planned giving options at The Walden School, or if you’ve already made provisions in your estate plan, please contact Noah Mlotek, Director of Development and Alumni Relations:

Phone: (415) 587-8157
Email: donors@waldenschool.org
Mailing Address: The Walden School, 7 Joost Avenue, Suite 204, San Francisco, CA 94131

We are here to help you explore possibilities and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to honoring you as a member of the David Hogan Legacy Society!

A Musical Legacy

Above: Jerry Maddox (far left) as a JCC student, alongside Mike Bond, Michel Perreault, George Anest, and Bob Weaver (photo courtesy of Jane Dugdale)

By all accounts, Jerry Maddox was a kind and generous man. An alum of the Junior Conservatory Camp (JCC), Walden’s predecessor program, he was a talented musician and a longtime Walden supporter. When he passed away in December 2019 at the age of 77, Maddox left a substantial bequest to Walden. A large portion of this gift has been added to Walden’s board-restricted endowment fund, and it will yield benefits for Walden, our students, and our musical community well into the future. Walden is grateful for the extraordinary generosity of Jerry Maddox and other supporters who have shown their appreciation for Walden and the JCC by including Walden in their estate plans. 

The Walden School is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.