A chance encounter brought them together, but love has sustained Varla and Curt Knauss. While waiting for his car to be washed, Curt remembers looking up and seeing her beautiful smile. More than twenty-five years later, they are a vibrant, loving couple who make the most of life.
Tough early life experiences taught them that frugality, hard work, gratitude and generosity are the keys to happiness. In marriage and in business, their shared sense of humor and passion in helping people to make wise financial decisions has kept their vibrant partnership thriving. "I'm an advisor to families and small business owners. My job is to protect and deliver predictable income, compound wealth and help create lasting legacies," Curt shares. "Varla handles the tax management issues. That's what we do."
Understanding the need to provide Orange County with the latest advances in health care, the couple saw Hoag as an excellent choice for investing in the community. They made a planned gift to Hoag, of which a portion is dedicated to Hoag's Neurosciences Institute. In recognition of their generosity, a redecorated private meeting space at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach was named the Varla & Curtis Knauss Family Lounge.
Through their support, Varla and Curt became members of the Hoag Hospital Foundation Benefactor Program. When Varla's mother needed medical attention, they experienced firsthand the gracious services provided by Hoag Hospital Foundation benefactor liaisons. As her mother's caregiver, Varla gained peace of mind from the high level of compassion her mother received at Hoag in addition to the leading-edge medical care.
"We are fortunate to have such wonderful and caring supporters. Varla and Curt not only support Hoag themselves, they also encourage others to learn more about Hoag as well," says Julie Heggeness, JD, CSPG, TEP, Executive Director of Gift Planning at Hoag Hospital Foundation.
Varla and Curt are not shy when it comes to touting the value and wisdom of supporting Hoag to their friends. "Hoag has embraced us like family," says Curt. "If I get sick, this is where I want to go, period. And that's because I know that I'm going to get the best treatment available. I want to make sure it stays that way."
Varla agrees; "We're investing in our future and I think that our friends, when they learn a little bit more about this, will want to do the same thing. We are proud to be involved with Hoag and its top-notch staff and medical professionals."
If you would like more information about making a planned gift, please contact Julie Heggeness at (949) 764-7206 or [email protected].
