Mrs. Marie Burnside
The Legacy of Passion

"I have been so fortunate in my life to have found three great passions - my church, the Northwestern University Settlement House and the CSO. I think it is simply wonderful how the CSO has become more diverse in its selection of music and fascinating guest artists. When I received a portion of my grandfather's trust fund, I wanted to do something that would ensure the CSO's continued success in its musical vision. So I decided on a charitable remainder trust, an uncomplicated way of transferring the trust's stock funds to the CSO and avoiding capital gain taxes."

- Mrs. Marie Burnside, pictured here in Grainger Ballroom, first attended the CSO with her mother and fondly recalls Frederick Stock's enthusiasm for music during the Children's Concerts. Her grandfather, Ernst Heldmaier, was a German immigrant who didn't attend CSO concerts himself, but bought tickets for his children and grandchildren to enjoy the music. Mrs. Burnside currently subscribes to the Friday afternoon A and B Series. A longtime CSO supporter, she has honored the memory of both her parents and grandfather with gifts to Symphony Center.

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is the financial vehicle Mrs. Burnside chose to support the CSO's ongoing artistic mission. A CRT provides a donor with income for life or for a set period of time. After the CRT ends, the principal or a specified amount (the remainder) goes to the CSO and the estate avoids paying capital gains taxes. A CRT funded with appreciated stock can receive charitable income tax deductions for up to five years. This is a smart way to provide for the CSO and avoid the financial costs of asset transfers.

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