Real Life Solutions
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Real Life Solutions |
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Recently, Peggy and Stanley Charren celebrated 50 years of married life, with two daughters, four grandchildren, a sense of humor, and a shared sense of values, including the value of a good education and protecting the environment. They both agreed that broadcast television, with the exception of public TV, was failing in its promise to enhance the education of children. They also agreed that the environment could use their assistance. These shared concerns were behind their decision to fund a charitable gift annuity at Harvard University. They also liked the fact that with their gift they were able to assist two programs at Harvard they care deeply about. One part of their gift supports a Harvard Graduate School of Education Professorship named for Gerald Lesser, the emeritus professor responsible for creating Sesame Street. The balance of their gift supports the Environment and Natural Resources Program at the Kennedy School of Government, where Stanley is a member of the steering committee.In 1968, to help make television accountable to its younger viewers, Peggy who is now a visiting scholar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, started Action for Children's Television (ACT). "We wanted to end commercial abuses that targeted that vulnerable audience and to guarantee support for PBS," says Peggy. "At the same time, we fought censorship as a solution to the problem, encouraging more delicious choices for children instead." During two decades of advocacy, ACT made the case for quality children's programming. In 1990, in response to ACT's efforts, the FCC passed the landmark Children's Television Act, which requires TV stations to provide some education programs and to reduce media commercialization for young audiences. According to Peggy, "The big challenge today is to ensure that the benefits of new telecommunications technologies will help prepare all children to succeed in this digital age." Stanley is an entrepreneur and engineer who has been involved with the environment and natural resources since the 1970s. He founded a company that explored renewable and alternative sources of energy. For him, investing in a Harvard environmental program through planned giving makes great business sense. "I'm investing in the welfare of society," he says. "Future generations depend on us." For now, Stanley and Peggy Charren are enjoying the positive achievements of television's greatest institutions, introducing Arthur, Kermit, Lionel, and Ernie (pictured here with the Charrens) to young viewers for generations to come. They also enjoy the positive impact that the Kennedy School of Government is having on the world and on the environment. "If you understand risk versus gain, it's easy to see that Harvard Charitable Gift Annuities offer wonderful opportunities," says Stanley. "There is minimal risk in the investment. And we will receive quarterly dividends from Harvard, so the gain is guaranteed. We can feel secure and know our money will benefit future generations of educators and policy leaders." © 2008 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.
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