Longtime Healthcare Advocates Find Joy and Meaning Giving Through IRA Designation

Local residents Karen and Bill Rhodes have always been passionate about healthcare. Bill led a global medical products company and served as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry before the couple decided to retire to Southwest Florida in 2012, having owned a home in Naples since 2001. Karen’s varied career included working as a teacher, a realtor, and even a retail toy business owner—but her one constant has been volunteering for hospitals in the many places they lived. Bill remains active in the healthcare community through his corporate board work with multiple medical companies.

So, it’s no surprise that they found ways to serve and support NCH while enjoying retirement and focusing on staying healthy. They joined the NCH Medical Diplomats Council, and Karen, of course, picked up her volunteer duties again. Although COVID caused a pause, she continued to joyfully volunteer at the North Naples Emergency Department where she can make a huge difference supporting the staff and families of patients who experience a great deal of stress.

“We strongly believe that everyone needs to support their local hospital in any way they can,” Karen said. “You don’t have to be a major donor to have an impact, and there are many ways to contribute both your time and resources to ensure we have access to excellent healthcare in our community.”

In addition to supporting nursing scholarships, Bill and Karen recently made NCH the beneficiary of an IRA in their estate plan.

“We chose this giving vehicle because it’s an easy way to give a substantial amount of money without tapping into assets we will eventually be dependent on,” Bill said.“Having worked in the medical profession my entire career, I know how critical these investments are in attracting leading physicians, highly trained care professionals, cutting-edge clinical trials, and other resources that enable world-class care right here in Naples.”