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Deloris Wright (The Estuary) grew up in Cassoday, a town of 125 people in east-central Kansas, the daughter of Calvin and Deloris Wright. Looking back, she recalls being a bit clumsy as a youngster.

“From my own perspective, there was no child growing up who was as uncoordinated and lacking in athletic prowess as me,” she laughed. But what she lacked in athleticism, she more than made up for in academics. She was an excellent student, showing an early interest in the application of mathematics. In her sophomore year at Southwestern College, a Methodist-owned 4-year liberal arts college in Winfield Kansas, she found that application in the study of economics. Because she could not major in economics at Southwestern, she transferred to Oklahoma State University, graduating two years later with a Bachelor of Science in business, with a major in economics. She went on to earn a PhD in economics from Iowa State University in 1973.

“I was a beneficiary of the National Defense Education Act,” she explained. “To help pay back a portion of my student loans, I became a faculty member at Auburn University in Alabama and what is now Missouri State University in Springfield.” Deloris taught for six years before securing a position with the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago. In 1984, she joined Coopers & Lybrand—one of the most respected accounting firms in the world —where she specialized in the international tax issue of transfer pricing. Her job was to develop the firm’s global transfer pricing practice. She ascended to the role of partner, and worked there for 11 years, before moving on to an economics consulting firm.

She established Wright Economics in 2007, serving major multinational corporations as well as several governments throughout the world. “I’ve moved all over the place for work and traveled constantly,” said Deloris. When she was based in Boston, she grew weary of the hassles of

Logan International Airport and decided she wanted to move to a more centrally located airport. Denver fit the bill perfectly and Colorado had mountains! She made a home in Genesee, Colorado, in the foothills west of Denver in 1999.

And although she was still completely immersed in her successful career, planning for her next chapter was on her mind. Her neighbors, Bill and Linda Doty, were also thinking about where they might like to retire someday. They were already familiar with Shell Point; Bill’s parents had lived there for 25 years. During a visit to Sanibel in 2014, the Dotys learned about Shell Point’s new neighborhood: The Estuary. They called Deloris, excited to tell her about the model residence they toured and the single-family homes that were underway. They had already selected their homesite.

“I had no problem taking their word for it,” said Deloris. “I actually signed up, sight unseen, and chose the lot across from the Cove.” Three months later, she was able to visit Shell Point herself, and her decision was confirmed.

Deloris was still consulting when she moved to Shell Point in the December of 2015. But once she retired at the end of 2017, it was time to dive into life at Shell Point. Volunteering came naturally, and she has worked in both the Community Thrift Store and the Island Gift Shop, along with delivering mail at the Larsen Health Center. She also enjoys volunteering at the Tribby Arts Center, using her spreadsheet expertise to catalog hundreds of exhibition entries and keep them in order.

She also took advantage of the personal training sessions that are available at Shell Point. Years ago, a cardiologist in Denver recommended strength training, and it became the cornerstone of her fitness regimen. When she moved to Shell Point, she became even more active. Now more than ever, she realizes the importance of taking control of your health.

When Deloris learned about the Wellness Center plans that were underway in Coastal Commons, she felt that it was a worthwhile way to help others at Shell Point explore their own wellness journey.

“Deloris gave a meaningful outright gift to help with construction, along with a gift through her estate to endow the Wright Wellness center and our wellness program at Shell Point,” said Jeff Cory, Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation. “Her generosity will touch the lives of many residents throughout the community both now, and in years to come.”

For Deloris, there is a bit of irony in a clumsy kid growing up to support a Wellness Center. “As an adult, I now understand how much exercise truly improves quality of life—whether you’re an athlete or a klutz!”

Deloris is looking forward to exploring everything the Center will offer, from the world-class equipment to the resource of dietitians on site to help residents see the whole picture of wellness. “We will have access to the tools we need to help us focus on living life in a healthy manner,” she said.

She also noted the symmetry in the Wright Wellness Center’s proximity to Shell Point’s cultural hub, the Tribby Arts Center: “It reflects a sense of balance—a healthy mind and a healthy body.”

Deloris dotes on her two-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. “He is great company, and he protects the front door with his life! Everyone thinks he’s named after my Colorado home, but his Miami-based breeder introduced him to me as Denver. What are the odds?”