Working to Keep Freedom Alive: Blended Gifts Support UH Now and in the Future

Working to promote free speech through true journalism, Ben Wheatley walks the talk.

Ben Wheatley knows a thing or two about journalism. As a former print journalist, he covered stories for a small daily newspaper in Kansas. Since relocating to Houston, he has developed a strong following in corporate communications and now owns his own public relations company.

He wants true journalism to survive for future generations, and he is willing to put his money where his heart is. “It’s critical for democracy to have a free press to protect peoples’ rights,” Wheatley said. “I feel strongly that people won’t know the true benefits of a free press until it’s gone.”

That led him to establish a charitable gift annuity, with a current gift and a legacy gift through his estate, to support Houston Public Media (HPM). His planned giving will enable HPM and UH to create strong resources for journalism. “They provide great national and local journalism, and I want to do my part to see it continue,” Wheatley said.

“I have a longtime friend who is a retired UH professor of political science. His blended giving currently supports the Endowed Chair in the Political Science Department,” Wheatley said. “His gift has inspired me to do something similar. A gift like this brings benefits for both the recipient and the donor. Besides the feeling of contribution to the future, you enjoy tax benefits from the donation.

“I feel such an affinity for UH,” Wheatley said. “The school is a tremendous asset to the Houston community on so many distinct levels. Once I started my planned gift, I have been adding to it as time passes. I started with small donations before I had the opportunity to make a sizable gift, and every bit helps keep Houston Public Media moving forward.

“Free speech through the press is an important peoples’ right that needs protection. I intend for my gifts to help in that effort.”