Michael and Shirley Benson Create Legacy Gift with Annuity to Ensure Their Support Far into the Future

The Bensons pictured next to the Volunteer Desk in the new downtown hospital ED, which includes a special donor plaque bearing their names. They thoughtfully chose to pay tribute to all who give both through philanthropy and through service with this inspiring message on the desk: “One’s life is not measured by what they accumulate, but rather what they give in time and talent.”

NCH champions Michael and Shirley Benson moved to Naples in 2007 to focus on their family. Michael, founder of Benson Blackburn, a wealth consultancy firm, had been flying around the country visiting clients most days of the month, deeply missing his family time. That is, until he had a breakthrough idea: move to where those he serves spend much of their time. Since making Naples their home, the couple has enjoyed raising three children and now have six amazing grandchildren.

Michael and Shirley have given back to the community in many remarkable ways. One of their philanthropic priorities is ensuring Naples has the best healthcare available. The couple are longtime NCH Medical Diplomats, and they made a significant contribution to the state-of-the-art Emergency Department renovation at the NCH Baker Downtown Hospital. Recently, the couple decided they wanted to have an even bigger impact through a gift annuity.

“It was important to us to make a financial gift that has lasting impact,” Michael said of their decision to contribute through an annuity. “This strategy allows NCH to benefit from a perpetual endowment that will make a difference long after we are gone. As a wealth advisor, I also highly recommend this approach as a wise financial strategy. The rate of return on this annuity is significantly higher than other investments. It’s truly a win all the way around.”