Turning a life of hard work into a lasting legacy

Mike Woods grew up on a farm in western Iowa, where his family milked about 40 cows. Life was simple, and money was tight. But his parents gave him something that would last a lifetime: a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility to others.

“We were poor, but my parents instilled good values in us,” Woods says. “I feel a responsibility to help others when I can.”

That spirit of giving led Woods to make a meaningful gift to Nebraska Medicine – one that will support the health system long into the future.

From the farm to finance

Woods spent most of his career in financial services, working as a stockbroker and financial planner. His job was to help clients stay calm when markets turned stormy.

“I always told my clients they didn’t need me when the markets were going up,” he says. “My job was to keep them from jumping out of the plane when markets were going down.”

That steady, long-view mindset shaped how Woods thought about his own money – and his own legacy.

Personal connections

Woods hasn’t been a Nebraska Medicine patient. But he’s seen the health system’s care up close. A close friend had bariatric surgery and was struck by how warm and attentive the staff was. His brother had cancer surgery, and the care team supported the whole family through a difficult time.

Those stories stayed with Woods. When he started thinking about where to direct his philanthropy, Nebraska Medicine felt like a natural fit.

His relationship with Rico Zavala, a development officer with the University of Nebraska Foundation, helped seal the decision. “Rico is a very warm, personable guy,” Woods says. “He is passionate about his job, and his energy is contagious.”

A smart way to give

Woods chose a charitable gift annuity (CGA) as his giving vehicle. A CGA is a simple arrangement: a donor makes a gift to a nonprofit, and in return, receives fixed payments for life. When the donor passes away, the remaining funds go to support the organization.

For Woods, the CGA checked multiple boxes at once.

“Guaranteed monthly income stream. A worthwhile tax deduction. A good way to dispose of an appreciated asset without paying capital gains tax,” he explains. “And giving back to the community.”

He has directed part of his giving toward cancer research in memory of his mother, who died of breast cancer.

A lasting legacy

Thinking about his legacy, Woods says he doesn’t want monuments or memorials dedicated to his philanthropy.

“I just want to be remembered as someone who tried to make the world a better place for those who come after me,” he says.