A Misleading First Impression

To the Editor:

Unfortunately, your August 13 article “Defiant Head of National Charity Defends Controversial Gift Plan” painted a (not uncommon) first impression of Dock Houk as an arrogant maverick ready to take on the world — or at least the I.R.S. — with something less than a charitable demeanor. That impression has often cost him the respect of his charitable peers and even his job, in 1987, following his Tax Court victory.

As an initial consultant involved in the creation of InsMark’s Charitable Legacy Plan, as a continuing proponent of the plan, and as president of OnTrak Administration Services, the administrator of the plan, I have had the opportunity to overcome that first impression. I’ve traveled throughout the United States with the Dock Houk who composes and performs his own music, can quote scripture from numerous religions’ sacred writ, and cries when touched by the performance of a young blind harpist (for whom he immediately established a charitable foundation). His recent innovation in expanding National Heritage Foundation giving opportunities to include “random acts of kindness” is evidence of his purist approach to charitable giving.

Without question, today’s legions of community foundations owe a great debt to this man, who almost single-handedly fought the battle against the I.R.S. to allow donor-advised accounts.

Contrary to my first impression, today I am honored to consider this generous man a friend — to me and to charity.

Thomas A. Peterson
President OnTrak Administration Services
Prescott, Ariz.