Jo Ann and Don Houpt - "A Dedicated Advocate"

Jo Ann and Don Houpt

In 1979, Don Houpt and his wife, Jo Ann, moved to Vero Beach. Not long after their arrival, a member of the Board of Directors of Indian River Memorial Hospital asked Don to run for a position on the Board of Trustees of the Indian River County Hospital District, to which he was elected. He later joined the Board of Directors of the Indian River Hospital Foundation and, after serving four years there, became a member of the Board of Directors of Indian River Memorial Hospital. Needless to say, he got involved. Don remains a member of the Emeritus Board of the Indian River Hospital Foundation.

"Jo Ann and I have attended a variety of events and are die-hard advocates of excellent health care in our community," Don explains. Both Don and Jo Ann are vocal supporters of our hospital, but they are also financial supporters. "There is a quote that struck me as important many years ago – 'a failure to plan is the only real failure.' I think that's why I am such a believer in planned giving," says Don. "Our hospital is a tremendous community resource. It is the venue through which doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers are making a difference in people's lives each day. By including the hospital in our estate plans, we are paying tribute to all of those incredible people – some we know and many we may never know."

Though our community is blessed with people of great means, some of the most heartfelt gifts ever given to an institution like Indian River Memorial Hospital come from people of modest means who have named the Indian River Hospital Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills, trusts or estate plans. At whatever level donors are able to give, each gift makes a difference. "I have to admit that there is a bit of enlightened self-interest for me," confesses Don. "My wife and I have both been patients here on several occasions, as have many friends. I feel that my financial support of the hospital is one more way that I can ensure that we receive the best health care possible, by making sure the funds are there for the hospital to continue to provide that level of care to our entire community."

At some time or another, all of us are likely to need Indian River Memorial Hospital.

According to Don and Jo Ann Houpt, "Everyone should consider making a gift today or plan to make a gift to the hospital through their will, trust or estate." There are a variety of ways to do so . . . and the Foundation staff is here to help you plan your gift so it makes the best sense for the health of your financial future and for the health of your community. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to us so that we can get you on your way to a successful future of giving.