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Thanks to generous donors, the needs of older LGBT people were not pushed aside by the pandemic.

Thanks to dedicated volunteer group leaders, programs for older LGBT people were not halted. Thanks to all of you who were willing jump onto Zoom and figure it out with us. And for those who could not reach us on Zoom, we're glad you stayed connected through our newsletter, website, over the phone and through and emails.

Together we learned new ways to do things. Fitness classes went on with the instructor on "speaker view" and participants stretching and moving in their own living rooms. Instead of a shared supper, we met on Second Sundays for a show that included interesting speakers and wonderful music. Writers read their works through their computer microphones or phone receivers and listened to others do the same. Knitters and crocheters held what they were working on up to the screen so others could comment or help. People socialized with heads in squares across our screens that reminded us of the Brady Bunch, or in smaller groups like the Table Hopping at Second Sunday.

We hope to bring back in-person groups as soon as it is safe to do so. However, the needs are still there regardless of whether we meet remotely or in person. In fact, reaching SAGE Upstate's goals of improving health and reducing isolation for older LGBT people has been even more challenging during the pandemic. Your support got us through 2020 -- can you help us again this year?

More feedback from SAGE participants

I have been going to the Second Sunday Social for years. I really looked forward to it. It was an opportunity to visit with folks I only saw there. Now that the social is virtual, I still log on. The "entertainment" is always excellent. I look forward to the "Table Hopping" every time. It is a wonderful way to meet someone you didn't know before and to catch up with those you only see at the Sage Social. -- Carol Notar

"I have become more accepting of myself and the journey I have been on since a teen ."

"SAGE is the only place I can meet with other trans people. That is vital to me."

"I have led a more active social life for years now, having connected with trusted
friends through SAGE."

Make your donation online

Or, use the form here to send in your donation

Feedback from the Falls Prevention Class

I joined Falls Prevention at the start of the pandemic. Thank goodness for this SAGE class! I’m stronger, my balance has improved, and as a bonus: I feel more positive and less isolated. Barb Genton is a gifted teacher and she creates a sense of supportive community .

-- Arlene Ahl

The Falls Prevention class used to meet at the center, but now we Zoom. We do different exercises -- aerobic, strength, dance, balance, yoga -- standing and sitting. I have seen changes in my abilities -- I can get up out of soft couches and chairs better. If I fall - and it does happen - I can get up on my own.

-- Claudia Gebhardt

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Normally, a distribution from a traditional IRA incurs taxes since the account holder did not pay taxes on the money when they put it into the IRA. But account holders aged 70½ or older who make a contribution directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity can donate up to $100,000 without it being considered a taxable distribution. The deduction effectively lowers the donor's adjusted gross income (AGI).

Internal Revenue Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements

To avoid paying taxes on the donation, the donor must follow the IRS rules for qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)—aka, charitable IRA rollovers. Most churches, nonprofit charities, educational organizations, nonprofit hospitals, and medical research organizations are qualified 501(c)3 organizations. The charity will also not pay taxes on the donation.

Source: Internal Revenue Service: Publication 526: Charitable Contributions

Steps to follow:

Contact your IRA provider
Must be 70 ½ and older
Applies to Traditional IRAs
The maximum amount cannot exceed $100,000 per tax year from an individual IRA.
Distributions must be made payable to a qualifying charity, such as Sage Upstate
The transfer must be made by December 31st to count against the year’s RMD requirement.