We were saddened to learn that one of The HSUS's most special friends, Ned Waller, passed away in March 2006. The HSUS will miss him, and the animals will appreciate the incredibly generous legacy he left behind. We are grateful for his kindness and support. 

Sometimes the most random of encounters can connect us with another, move us to change, or inspire us to action. For Ned Waller of Danville, Virginia, a pivotal meeting with a raccoon on his back porch was the catalyst for all these things.

Ned grew up in Richmond, Virginia, where—as a Boy Scout—he began to develop his lifelong interest in animals through his efforts to earn the merit badge in bird watching. He would later attend Princeton University, marry and have three children, and work as a menswear designer in New York City for 35 years.

But the meeting with the raccoon was the moment he decided to turn his animal interest into action. The raccoon was sneaking cat food off Ned's porch, and "much to my surprise," he said, "it did not run when it saw me, but just kept eating and watching me. As I looked into its eyes, I felt as though I was looking into the heart of the universe." What followed, Ned said, was a strong urge to do everything possible to help such creatures.

Shortly thereafter, he used about $31,000 in stocks he owned to establish a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with The HSUS, and later set up two CGA's—for $38,000 and $50,000.

"I don't really consider the annuities to be contributions, since they yield a nice return in the seven percent range," he said. Ned also makes annual cash gifts to The HSUS.

He said The HSUS is one of his favorite charities because our legislative work has both immediate and long-term effects. Concerned primarily with hunting, animals in research, and factory farming, Ned even helps The HSUS advocate for congressional legislation to protect animals by regularly sharing his viewpoints with his congressman.

If you'd like to learn more about how you can establish a charitable gift annuity like Ned Waller, please contact the development officer in your area or call us at 1-800-808-7858 or gifts@hsus.org.