Devoted to Children

A devotion to children has always been a driving force behind Bill and Katie Nixon’s philanthropic giving. That devotion extends well beyond the classroom and into the expert care and services provided by Connecticut Children’s.

“We’re devoted to children, both in the realm of education and in supporting Connecticut Children’s,” said Katie, a former teacher and retired school admissions professional. Bill taught science for almost 40 years, including 25 years at the Renbrook School in West Hartford, before he retired, eventually passing away from pancreatic cancer in 2020.

The Bloomfield couple, who often led educational conferences and workshops together, will continue to impact the lives of children as part of Connecticut Children’s Legacy Society, an organization whose members have included the Connecticut Children’s in their estate plans.

Before he passed, Bill said, "Planned giving is a great way to know now what contributions will be made on our behalf in the future. It also ensures that our philanthropic dollars won’t be diminished by estate taxes and because we have had the time to think carefully about this. Our gift will be deliberate and reflect our commitment to Connecticut Children’s."

Longtime supporters

Long before the hospital opened in 1996, the Nixons were introduced to Connecticut Children’s through a friend who had invited them to a reception at her home.

“The invitation was intriguing, as we had no idea a children’s hospital was planned,” Katie said. “We went and had such good discussions with the guests attending, we decided to get involved. I have been involved ever since-first on the Foundation Board and then on the Corporate Board.”

Being involved with Connecticut Children’s allowed the Nixons to stay connected to other parents and to show gratitude for their own daughter, Frances, who now has two sons of her own. Frances and her family live nearby in Simsbury, which allows Katie to enjoy time with her grandsons, the lights of her life.

A “booster shot” of support

“As parents, we felt so moved hearing stories of parents who were enduring serious health issues with their child,” Katie said. “Although our daughter was healthy, we were also aware as she was growing up that, at any moment, life can change and we could be dealing with illness or injury.

"Each and every time I am at the hospital and hear stories about the care that children receive there, I am reinvigorated and excited to be a part of it,” Katie said. “Hearing the stories is like giving a ‘booster shot’ to our original motivation for regular and planned giving to the hospital. Added to that, as a Board member, I saw how beautifully this hospital is run.”

Connecticut Children’s benefits from planned gifts, as they help support important endowment and capital projects and allow the Medical Center to develop new programs and services in children’s healthcare. Bequests, charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder or lead trusts are among the many planned giving options available.

Katie continues her and Bill’s tradition of supporting Connecticut Children’s. As the organization prepares for its largest expansion in history, Katie has committed to a blended gift where she will provide an outright donation and an additional provision in her estate plan to name a substantial space in Connecticut Children’s new Tower, which will double the size of the hospital at 282 Washington Street.

“This is a special place that remains close to my heart. Bill and I spent our careers helping children, and I feel good knowing that legacy will continue.”