Tax-Wise Gift of Home Expands Pulmonary Center

Scott Wiley, program director; donor James Growney; and Pennie Finfrock, lead therapist, review renderings of the expanded center.

The Pulmonary Health and Wellness Center that is being expanded will have a new name after a significant gift to NCH Healthcare System from James Growney, a Naples and New York resident whose late wife was treated at NCH.

The Growney Pulmonary Health and Wellness Center will double in size and include many upgrades. Jim Growney’s gift of his Naples home reduces taxes on his estate and helps pulmonary patients now.

“The Naples house is a non-income-producing asset that I can easily live without, and my two children are never going to move to Florida,” he explained.

Jim’s wife of 46 years, Kathleen, was ill for three years before she died, and they spent a lot of time at NCH. Jim previously had pulmonary surgery at another hospital and knew of the importance of pulmonary centers.

“I am excited about the fact that the expanded pulmonary center will become one of the best in Florida,” he said. “They need more equipment and more staff to meet the demands of a growing population.”

Jim has a bachelor’s degree in economics and was an executive with several companies, including founding his own computer consulting firm. He urges prospective donors to learn more about planned giving by consulting with Foundation staff—and to join the Banyan Society when making a gift.

“People need to be educated about the many opportunities to give,” Jim said. “The idea of giving the house came after learning about a diverse set of options. We need to open our minds to other ideas.”