Robert Lurie's wife was later very generous in her donations to the Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. 

They take time away from their business to teach and they donate their time.

In the past year we have struggled to obtain funding and stay afloat but have done what we could from donations and assistance out of pocket by myself as well as others on our team.

Law suites, the court or attorneys may want a liquidation value.Bankruptcy will look to the market value of assets, amounts available for creditors.I had several where amounts of an estate in excess of stated dollars was to be donated to charity.

And he donates a ton of money to charity.That is what I am looking to do.... seems a more powerful way to get started.

So in 2012 many billionaires donated huge amounts to charities.The funny thing is most of this money was donated to the charities ran by their children or relatives..Warren buffet donated 3 billion to 3 charities ran by his children.Is this how they avoid paying estate taxes and claim huge deductions?

Charge one of two ways:  A small host annual subscription or a per stay fee that would be a true donation - less a tiny admin fee for maintenance, then provide a guest the option to either match that donation or a force a small minimal amount. 

As a church, you might be better off getting creative, you can sell with a donation to reduce taxes, ask your attorney. 

., likely less than $100-200 of value total) for a set period of time, or can we simply dispose/donate as needed?

I would like to strongly suggest that you donate to charities, rather than become one.