Larry Becerra

A Passion for Helping Children

Lifelong Bay Area resident Larry Becerra has devoted his life to children—as a father, grandfather, and former kindergarten teacher. Today he continues to work with young people as a volunteer in his granddaughter’s elementary school. “If you are a true teacher, that passion for educating always makes you want to do more,” Larry explains.

This desire to do more led Larry to make a significant future gift to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland through a charitable remainder trust. After inheriting two rental properties a few years back, he was looking for a way out of managing them and wanted to boost his income so he could enjoy his retirement. He sold one property and after seeing the tax bill, decided to create a CRT and transferred the second property to a trust. The trust not only increased Larry’s monthly income, but also provided an immediate tax deduction. Best of all, by designating Children’s as the beneficiary when he passes on, Larry receives the satisfaction of knowing that he has created an incredible legacy for children.

“Children’s Hospital has a terrific school room and arts program for kids who are facing long hospital stays,” Larry says, “so I knew that naming Children’s as the beneficiary was the right choice. At a certain point, you want to be able to share what you have with others, and my focus has always been helping children.”