Mike and Carol Milligan

Laureate Society members Carol and Mike Milligan are huge fans of the Minnesota Orchestra's "Inside the Classics" series. "I really like the way Sarah Hicks and Sam Bergman weave the historical perspective into their discussions about the music," Mike says.

Says Carol, "Then, when the music starts, it's wonderful to close my eyes and have everything else in the world evaporate."

For Carol and Mike, real-world concerns aren't simply metaphors, but their life's work. Carol administers a program through the state agriculture department that provides fresh, locally grown produce from farmers markets to lowincome seniors and families with young children. Mike helps young men in Ramsey County Community Corrections access services to address alcohol and drug addictions. The Milligans' commitment to community extends to their philanthropy. Their entire estate is earmarked for the charities they love.

"We want to foster a community that will be well-rounded, interesting and culturally rich," Mike says. "So providing an estate gift for the Orchestra's future is a natural choice."

Says Carol, the Orchestra "benefits everyone in the community, even those who may not attend concerts."

The Milligans made their decision to make this donation before writing their will, so it was easy for them to create an estate plan that fits their goals perfectly.

"We always joke that it would be fun to have a foundation so we could give money away all day," Carol says. "Until that happens, planning our estate is as close as we can get."