Creating a planned gift to an organization that shares your strongest values is one of the most important statements you can make. Cato is honored and grateful to have many champions in our Legacy Society make such a statement. In return, we pledge a committed pursuit of our shared vision for freedom and prosperity.

Richard Aster was one such devoted friend. During his life, he was a loyal and long-term supporter of Cato. In fact, he was more than a supporter—he became part of the fabric of our work and mission.

Over the years, Richard—Rick—kept pace with the work of Cato’s scholars and became a friend to many. As someone who fervently believed in individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law, Rick created a plan to fund Cato’s work beyond his lifetime through a significant bequest. His bequest is among the largest Cato has ever received and has had a major impact on our ability to fulfill our mission.

Rick had many passions in life. As a natural athlete who played golf, tennis, and basketball, Rick coached Catholic Youth Organization basketball for many years, often taking his team to the championship level. Rick also traveled the world, digging deep into the history and economics of each country he visited. Not surprisingly, he was a voracious reader of history and biographies. Rick was passionate when it came to politics and economics.

Professionally, Rick was so successful as a money manager that he was named the Morningstar runner-up manager of the year in 2010. He believed in the positive power of free markets and individual liberty. In the Cato Institute he found a powerful and effective advocate for the ideas that he believed must necessarily form the basis of a free and prosperous society. We are honored to celebrate Rick’s legacy.

If you’re already a Legacy Society Sponsor, thank you! If you are interested in joining this community, please let us know. We can discuss the options for your planned gift—including simple charitable gift annuities, bequests, beneficiary designations for retirement assets, complex trusts, and endowed chairs—for you to consider what works best for you and aligns with your priorities. It is our pleasure to work with our Sponsors to help them realize their vision for their own legacy for liberty.

Legacy Society benefits are the same as those for individuals contributing at least $5,000 annually, which include special-event invitations and complimentary access to Cato books, research, and commentary like our monthly audio magazine. Of course, by creating a planned gift and joining the Legacy Society you will enjoy the ultimate benefit of denying the government even more of your hard-earned money by investing in the future of liberty. It would be an honor to have you more involved with the Cato community as a Legacy Society Sponsor.