Legacy Gifts: Should You Include Your Charities In Your Estate Plan?

Millie Baumbusch, Shari Martin, Dale Hughes, Lula Dawit, Craig Frankel

Dale Hughes/Jeremiah

Originally from Albany, Georgia, Dale grew up “all over” as his father was a career military man, so he thrives in new situations, embraces diversity and ideas, and loves taking on a challenge.

A graduate of Emory University (B.B.A., Accounting) and The University of Georgia School of Law, Dale has been working with businesses of all sizes—including some of Georgia’s most respected companies—for 30 years in the roles of providing legal counsel, advising private shareholders, managing real estate initiatives, and serving in various corporate capacities. He was managing partner for the Atlanta office of the national law firm, Dow Lohnes. He was a Senior Vice President at Cox Enterprises where he worked with the legal department, the real estate department, the family office/foundation and the energy department during his time at Cox.

Now, he and his wife, Cindy run a family business named Jeremiah that focuses on historic buildings, community projects including new business incubation and mentoring. Among their incubation investments are community restaurants, a soccer company and a learning and work performance software company named one of the “Coolest New Businesses in America” by Business Insider. In their real estate and consulting efforts, they focus on renovation and revitalization in historic downtown areas. He also has taught Business Law and Business Ethics as an Adjunct Professor. His priority, however, is family and he is very proud of his three children: Lauren, Lindsey and Luke. Dale is also a mentor to individuals and businesses and has a love for investing in others through volunteering in programs with focuses on the needs of our local communities and individuals. His favorite pastime is driving around in his truck with his daughters’ dogs, Scout and Lucy, thinking about ways to grow and build community.

Lula Dawit/Woodruff Arts Center

Lula S. Dawit was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida and moved to Atlanta in 2010 after completing her JD and Masters in Taxation from the University of Florida. Lula is the Director of Planned Giving for the Woodruff Arts Center. Prior to joining the Woodruff Arts Center, Lula managed Spelman College’s planned giving program. Prior to Spelman, Lula worked as a wills, trusts, and probate attorney in Atlanta.

Lula is an active member of the Fiduciary Planning and Taxation sections of the Georgia Bar. She was a member of the 2014 LEAD Atlanta and is president of the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art’s advisory board at Kennesaw State University. On her spare time, Lula enjoys reading, camping and visiting national parks

Shari Martin/Cobb Community Foundation

After five years on its Board of Directors including one as Board Chair, Shari B. Martin stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) in 2017. Shari’s personal passion is to help others to help others, a phrase which has also become the mantra for CCF.

Shari’s background of 30 years in the wealth management industry provided a firm foundation for her to lead this growing community foundation. She began her career at SunTrust when it was still known as Trust Company Bank in 1986, served as Regional Manager for Synovus Trust Company, then ended her wealth management career as a Principal with Diversified Trust Company. It was there that she learned about the Cobb Community Foundation and the impact it is having in the region. Shari remains a member of the Atlanta Estate Planning Council and is also now a member of Marietta Kiwanis.

Shari was raised in Atlanta and obtained her B.A. from Furman University in Greenville, SC. She has resided in Atlanta since college. She has two grown sons, Michael and Matthew Harvey, of whom she is immensely proud, and is married to the love of her life, Tom Martin. Shari and Tom are active members of North Point Community Church.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.