Legacy Letters & the “Alphabet Soup” of Giving
Stephen Pappaterra, Esq., Kathleen S. Burns, Esq. and Cyndy Pappaterra, M.A., LCADC
October 21, 2025
“For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Wealth comes in many forms; and wealth can be passed on in many ways. Wealth can refer to material possessions, but also to non-financial forms of wealth, such as a passion for social justice, appreciation for beauty in the arts, or a scrapbook of family memories.
Join attorneys, Steve Pappaterra and Kathleen Burns, and therapist, Cyndy Pappaterra, in an interactive workshop on legacy planning. They’ll begin with a high-level presentation on the benefits and drawbacks of the many “letters” found in the “alphabet soup” of giving (such as DAF, CGA, QCD, CRT, etc.). Then, they’ll guide you through a thoughtful process of generating a “Legacy Letter” — whether in the form of writing, audio, or video — to voice your values and what you wish to pass on to your family and loved ones. This program promises to be lively, meaningful, and even musical as you reflect on how to pass “values” — not just “value” to your heirs.
Facilitators
Steve has a diverse background as an attorney, wealth management executive, professor, and professional drummer. He is Co-Founder and President of Syncopate Creative, LLC, a consulting firm that provides creative direction on presentations, positioning, and performance for professional services firms. In addition to practicing law at two prominent regional law firms in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Steve spent 14 years as National Director of Wealth Planning for PNC Wealth Management, where he led a team of 80+ attorneys, CPAs, and certified financial planners. He has lectured and published widely in professional journals, and has been interviewed numerous times for major…
Learn more about Stephen Pappaterra, Esq.
Kathy assists clients with their estate and long-term care planning and guides fiduciaries in the administration of trusts and estates. She focuses primarily on estate matters, helping clients to develop effective plans to meet their estate and long-term care goals, and assisting trustees, executors and estate administrators in navigating the probate process and preparing all necessary Surrogate Court submissions and tax returns. Kathy also has extensive experience in elder law, assisting with the Medicaid process, preparing Petitions for Guardianship, and participating in competency hearings. She has often served as Court-appointed counsel in such matters as reviewing Special Needs Trusts, representing…
Learn more about Kathleen S. Burns, Esq.
Cyndy is a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor in private practice. She holds a Master’s Degree in Holistic Health from Georgian Court University and a B.A. from Temple University. Cyndy has served as Drug and Alcohol Coordinator for Human Services of Burlington County, Addictions Counselor at Providence House of Catholic Charities, and Adjunct Professor at Camden County College. She holds multiple certifications, including Disaster Response Crisis Counselor, Gambling Addiction Counselor, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Peer Recovery Specialist, Mental Health First Aid, and Pastoral Counseling. Cyndy is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Writing Center at…
Learn more about Cyndy Pappaterra, M.A., LCADC