Sally’s Book Review
The Ultimate Gift
by Jim Stovall
When billionaire Red Stevens died he left his estate to his heirs of course, but he left his legacy to his 24-year old nephew Jason.
Left to Jason is a box of video tapes of Red himself to be viewed one at a time on the first day of the month for the next year.
The tapes lead Jason to the most significant bequest of them all from Red’s estate.
In the beginning of the book, Jason appears to be the most disrespectful, ungrateful, spoiled, ‘would be rich kid’ ever. Disappointed that he didn’t receive tangible wealth, Jason reluctantly shows up for his first of the month viewing only to be given his great uncle’s gift of Work. After a month of post-hole digging, Jason learns the lesson Red wanted him to learn – that if he can do this kind of work with pride and quality, he can do anything. The next month, his assignment is to learn the value of Money followed by the gift of Friends, Learning, Problems, Family etc. Each month there is an introductory video, a challenging task, and an important lesson to be learned. At the end of the year-long odyssey of discovery, Jason is a changed man. As a result of successfully completing all of the month-long tasks, Jason receives The Ultimate Gift from his great uncle Red Stevens.
This tale has also been released in 2006 as a feature length motion picture starring James Garner and Brian Dennehy. Stay tuned to see if you will be invited to a premier showing in Cincinnati.
Sally’s Bookshelf
Browse Sally’s personal bookshelf of recommended reading with synopses and links for online purchase.
Articles & Information
Articles by Renata J. Rafferty, a leading advocate for informed philanthropy, and other informative snippets and reprints.
Family Retreat
A 2-day retreat to settle family issues and clarify wishes, goals, values, and beliefs in a quiet setting.
Samples of a Family Letter of Intent.
Case Studies
Disinheriting the IRS: How the Mastersons built a legacy of voluntary philanthropy instead of involuntary estate taxation.