Louis D. Pietig II, Grateful for a Second Chance, Makes a Tax-Wise Gift to Cheshire

Louis D. Pietig II is grateful that Cheshire Academy gave him a “second chance” at high school, and he says the education he received helped him in college and in launching a successful career as a financial advisor. Now, at the ripe old age of 34, he is giving back through a life insurance policy that will provide him an income-tax deduction each year—like some of the other strategies described on our Web site.

In addition to giving the life insurance policy and its significant one-time tax deduction, Louis is making charitable contributions each year to cover the policy premium—an extremely tax-wise strategy.

“I spoke with Senior Director of Leadership & Planned Giving Barbara Davis and Chief Advancement Officer Amy Brough (in the Advancement Office) about my gift and what vehicle made the most sense for me,” Pietig said. “I don’t have an overabundance of IRA assets to roll over, and this gives me, at 34 and in good health, a chance to leverage my financial contribution to a significant gift over my lifetime.”

Louis said that he came to Cheshire after making some bad decisions at a previous school.

“Cheshire was there for me when I needed additional structure and a warm community with a fresh start,” he said.

Louis served as a proctor, played lacrosse and football, and helped with alumni fundraising. He went on to college at the University of Connecticut and has been a financial advisor for six years. His wife Thea graduated from the University of Delaware and works in advertising. They live in Weston, Connecticut, and have two children. Louis recently accepted a post as alumni captain for Fairfield County.

“Cheshire Academy is a top-notch educational opportunity, and I wouldn’t be where I am without it,” Louis says. “I hope to leave Cheshire in a better spot than where it was when it found and helped me. I hope the school never stops taking chances on applicants who deserve a second chance.”