Mary Glidden-Williams
Mary Glidden-Williams likes her charitable giving to make a tangible impact—improving lives and funneling help where it is most needed.
Mary Glidden-Williams likes her charitable giving to make a tangible impact—improving lives and funneling help where it is most needed. That's why she designated Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation as the beneficiary of her IRA.
Mary got involved with the hospital after her late husband, Noah, urged her to join him there as a volunteer. She did, and she loved it.
"I had so much fun. I loved the excitement. I loved the people. I loved the work," Mary says. "I worked in discharge, and everybody's happy to see you. You're everybody's best friend for five minutes."
Working at the hospital convinced Mary of the importance of its mission, and establishing an IRA beneficiary designation seemed like a perfect choice because, as a nonprofit, the hospital will pay no taxes on the gift.
"Leaving it to the hospital gives them the full value of all the money," she says.
Mary has been a loyal donor to the Healthcare Foundation for many years, often using appreciated stock for her contributions—another tax-savvy giving strategy. Her gifts have honored Noah, including through the purchase of hospital benches that feature memorable song lyrics expressing her undying love.
Mary urges others to join her in supporting SMH with a planned gift.
"You don't have to be a billionaire to help," she says. "The hospital affects so many lives. It just must keep going, and it takes money. It's that simple."
