Friday, July 20, 2007

Mega-Gifts Grow Missions - Health - RedOrbit

Mega-Gifts Grow Missions - Health - RedOrbit: "IT'S NOT EVERY DAY THAT A health system is handed a check for $400 million, or even one for $75 million. But gifts of that magnitude shouldn't change a hospital's focus. 'A mega-gift should not alter an institution's strategic plan. It should enhance it or complement it,' says Arthur M. Brink, Jr., former chairman of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and vice president, chief philanthropy officer of Martin Memorial Foundation in Stuart, FIa.

'It's much more of a value-added proposition,' agrees Brian Mortenson, president of Sanford Health Foundation in Sioux Falls, S.D. That's how Mortenson views a $400 million gift received last February from local businessman T. Denny Sanford to Sioux Valley Hospitals & Health System. To acknowledge the gift, the board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the system Sanford Health.

The donation-and $75 million given by the Schmidt Family Foundation to Boca Raton (Fia.) Community Hospital-are among the largest gifts ever to benefit a hospital or health system"

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