Whether they’re in Austin or Nantucket, Tracey and Bill Marshall seek to make a difference in the communities close to their heart, supporting causes and organizations that benefit children, education, and health.

Since they first came to Nantucket more than 15 years ago, the Marshalls have grown to love the island community, and have quietly contributed in numerous ways to organizations that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

“Part of the original attraction of Nantucket for us was that it always felt more like a community than a resort, and we enjoy being part of this community,” Bill Marshall said.

The Marshalls also came to recognize Nantucket Cottage Hospital as essential to the health of the Nantucket community, and have contributed a major investment in the construction of the island’s new hospital, as well as toward the vital services that will be provided inside.

“This project is very important to the entire community,” said Tracey Marshall. “It’s not just about the essential healthcare provided by the hospital, but also the contribution to the community’s welfare that an active institution of high quality can make.”

The Marshalls’ gift has continued the incredible momentum of Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s capital campaign, which has now received commitments of more than $108 million toward the goal of $120 million for the new hospital and urgently needed housing for employees. The Marshalls’ contribution was initially given anonymously, and it was only at the urging of the hospital’s development team that they agreed to have it announced publicly in the hope that their generosity would inspire others.

“It’s very rewarding to be part of something tangible, the bricks and mortar, but for me personally, it’s more satisfying to know that we’ve contributed to the sustainability of the community”, Tracey Marshall said.

In recognition of the Marshalls’ generous gift to the capital campaign, the helipad at the new hospital will be named in honor of their family. It will be a fitting acknowledgement of the Marshalls’ generosity, as it is the connection to the mainland provided by the helipad, specifically to Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s affiliate, Massachusetts General Hospital, that was another important factor in their decision to support the campaign in such a significant way.

“Our hospital is 30 miles at sea but it has the benefit of direct access to doctors from one of the best hospitals in the U.S., Mass General,” Tracey Marshall said.

Beyond their gift, the Marshalls have also gotten involved with the hospital as volunteers by hosting events in support of the campaign, as well as helping to establish the new “Women and Wellness” event that kicked off last July at the Great Harbor Yacht Club with three Mass General physicians speaking on women’s health topics. The Marshalls hosted Dr. Jan Shifren, the director of the Mass General Hospital Midlife Women’s Health Center, at their home during the sold-out event, which was attended by more than 250 people.

“The MGH physicians left the island remarking on our dynamic community,” Tracey Marshall said. “It’s great that there is such a strong wellness program supported by Mass General on the island.”

In addition to their philanthropic and volunteer endeavors, the Marshalls are also big fans of their four-legged friends. Their family includes two rescue dogs, Dixie and Georgie. “They love to be on a boat, they both love the beach, so they love Nantucket,” she said. Both dogs look forward to their time on the island, perhaps even more than Bill and Tracey.