How a devastating wildfire led to legacy building through innovative financial planning.

“I was searching for something that could help ease the grief of losing our home. I felt like there must be some way to make the best out of this tragedy.”

Sharyn Meyer Fuller had weathered the storms of life with grace, but the devastating 2017 Atlas Fire tested her resilience. Losing the cherished home she had lived in and raised her family in for 40 years in Napa left her with nothing but a vacant piece of land and a garage miraculously spared by the flames. In the aftermath, Sharyn found herself at a crossroads, unsure of how to proceed.   

Traditional solutions like a 1031 exchange or installment sale didn’t sit right with Sharyn. “It has always been important to me that I share my good fortune with my daughter and grandchildren,” she says. “I was searching for something that could help ease the grief of losing our home. I felt like there must be some way to make the best out of this tragedy.” She sought counsel from financial advisors and realtors, but it was Damon Tinnon, Queen of the Valley Foundation senior director of planned giving, who introduced her to a transformative solution: the charitable remainder trust (CRT).  

With the property’s value skyrocketing since its purchase in the 1980s, Sharyn faced a substantial tax burden upon its sale. However, the CRT offered an elegant solution. By placing the property within the trust, Sharyn could bypass capital gains taxes, ensuring that the full proceeds could be reinvested to generate income.  

Another significant advantage to Sharyn was the ability to secure her family’s future while supporting organizations and causes close to her heart — such as Women for Wellness, Queen of the Valley Foundation’s annual giving society.  

Through careful trust planning, Sharyn ensured that her daughter, Heather, and her grandchildren, Carson and Natalie, would receive income from the trust for their lifetimes or up to 20 years, whichever comes first. This innovative approach preserved Sharyn’s legacy, benefiting both her family and charitable causes. 

Sharyn’s parents, Eleanor and Wesley Meyer, married in 1938, moved to Napa and opened Meyer’s Jewelers downtown. Their generous philanthropy included Queen of the Valley Medical Center. Sharyn pursued a career in the jewelry business and undertook several other interests and endeavors, from belly dancing to becoming a Master Gardener to advocating for synchronized swimming to become an Olympic sport. All of this exemplifies her free spirit and entrepreneurial acumen. Her decision to establish a CRT not only safeguarded her financial well-being but also reflected her values of giving back to her community.  

As Sharyn, now 82, reflects on her journey, she sees the CRT as a beacon of hope for others who, like her, have complex real estate holdings and other appreciated assets that require creative planning. It was a strategy that offered a path forward, allowing her to rebuild her life while leaving a lasting impact on future generations.