Guided Giving: How Vicki Wagner-Kline Found Her Philanthropic Path

March 17, 2025

For Vicki Wagner-Kline, giving back to Denver Health Foundation was never a question of if — only how. As a lifelong Denver resident, caregiver, and plant enthusiast, Vicki has always had deep roots in the community — literally and metaphorically.

Her philanthropic journey, marked by compassion and care, reached a turning point when Denver Health saved her life.

After her experience, Vicki found a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact through planned giving, with the guidance of Denver Health Foundation’s Gift Planning Officer, Tina Kvitek.

A personal connection to Denver Health

“I’m a Denver native. My family always had a big garden, and sharing plants and giving back to the community, donating produce to local food banks, has always been part of who I am,” Vicki shares. Soon enough, Vicki’s generosity of spirit expanded to include Denver Health.

Vicki’s connection with Denver Health began in the 1980s, when a close friend was diagnosed with HIV. Visiting Denver Health, Vicki was moved by the compassionate care her friend received during a time of fear and misunderstanding surrounding the disease.

Years later, that connection became personal. After nearly discarding reminders for her routine mammogram, Vicki finally scheduled her appointment. That decision saved her life. The Denver Health team diagnosed her with an aggressive form of breast cancer just in time.

“They saved me,” she says. “If I had waited any longer, the cancer would have spread. The timing was perfect.”

Finding confidence in philanthropy

After her recovery, Vicki had a heightened awareness of her legacy. She also valued the importance of planning: she had cared for her aunt and uncle in their final years, and when they passed, she was left to manage their estate.

Vicki knew she wanted to give back to the health system that had made such a difference in her life, but she wasn’t sure where to start. That’s when Denver Health Foundation stepped in.

“Tina listened to what was important to me. We reviewed my existing trust, and she pointed out things I needed to consider. She helped me see how Denver Health could be part of my legacy without complicating what I wanted to leave to my family and friends,” Vicki explains. “It gave me confidence. I realized I could do this in a way that truly reflects my values.”

Supporting what matters most

For Vicki, supporting Denver Health means investing in the people and programs that make high-quality, compassionate care possible. Her giving reflects a deep appreciation for the health system’s essential role in the community — providing accessible health care and addressing critical needs for all Denver residents.

At the heart of Vicki’s giving are Denver Health’s employees. “The employees make Denver Health what it is. From the minute you walk in, you feel caring and compassion. It’s not maybe what you’d call ‘fancy’ — but when your health is at risk, fancy doesn’t matter.”

Programs like RESTORE (Resilience and Equity through Support and Training for Organizational Renewal), which supports staff dealing with the emotional toll of their work, resonate deeply with Vicki. “The RESTORE program is one of my favorites. The stress these caregivers endure — there needs to be a place for them to heal, too.”

Vicki also expressed interest in Denver Health’s Workforce Development Center (WFDC). “Tina mentioned how it helps employees with mentorship and career advancement. That stuck with me. If I can support the people who support our community — that’s what really matters.”

A legacy of care

Vicki’s planned gift from her estate helps to ensure that Denver Health will continue to provide lifesaving care for generations. Her decision reflects the Foundation’s key message: philanthropy provides vital resources to eliminate disparities, reduce costs, and improve access to quality care for all.

“Denver Health is essential for Denver. Without it, our city would be in a world of hurt,” Vicki says. “Supporting Denver Health means supporting the future of our entire community.”

Tina Kvitek, Denver Health Foundation’s Gift Planning Officer, adds, “Planned giving is a powerful way to make a difference that doesn’t impact your day-to-day finances. Vicki’s story shows that with the right guidance, anyone can create a legacy that lasts.”

Join Vicki on the journey

Vicki’s message to potential donors is simple and empowering: “Don’t hesitate because you think your gift isn’t enough. Just start. Small steps lead to big change. The Foundation will guide you — just like they guided me.”

With Denver Health Foundation as your mentor, you, too, can turn personal experiences into powerful legacies. Each gift supports innovative care, education, and research — helping Denver Health continue to meet evolving community needs.

Denver Health Foundation’s team of philanthropic advisors is here to help every donor make a lasting impact in a way that reflects their values. Whether through an immediate donation, a planned gift, or a combination of both, we’ll guide you in creating a charitable giving strategy that fits your goals — shaping the future of health care in Denver together.

Explore our Planned Giving page to discover how you can create a lasting impact in our community. If you’d like to make a gift today, visit Denver Health Foundation’s donation page. Together, we can build a healthier Denver for all.

Denver Health is essential for Denver. Without it, our city would be in a world of hurt. Supporting Denver Health means supporting the future of our entire community.”

Vicki Wagner-Kline