$5 Million Gift Changes Future Landscape of Children’s Healthcare in Southwest Florida through Little Red Wagon Fund
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has received a momentous $5 million unrestricted donation from Baycross Christian Family Foundation to benefit the Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Little Red Wagon Fund and support its efforts to fulfill the region’s most critical pediatric health care needs. The Little Red Wagon Fund plays a key role in advancing innovative programs, technologies and services to strengthen the future of the hospital and meet the expanding health care needs of the region.
“The very existence of the Golisano Children’s Hospital is a testament to the unyielding commitment from the Southwest Florida Community,” commented Armando Llechu, chief administrative officer, Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Through the generosity we have received over the years, we have been able to bring world-class pediatric care to the children of our region. Today’s announcement reaffirms that commitment and we are blessed as a leadership team to have this incredible support. We are grateful to the Baycross Christian Family Foundation for their faith in us as demonstrated through this unrestricted gift. These dollars will be used in transformative and meaningful ways to continue to drive programmatic growth and keep more children close to home as they receive the care they need.”
Baycross Christian Family Foundation hopes its donation will inspire the Southwest Florida community to become life-long supporters of Golisano Children’s Hospital’s ongoing efforts to provide world-class programming and services for those who live in the area as well as for those who come seeking the very best care available for children. The Sarasota-based organization is a longtime supporter of Golisano Children’s Hospital, and over the years, has contributed to the hospital’s ongoing initiatives, including its capital campaign and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parent Support Group.
“At Baycross Christian Family Foundation, we’re especially passionate about Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, and its efforts to fulfill a growing need for pediatric health care in our region,” commented Shahla Simpler, executive director of Baycross Christian Family Foundation. “We see the impact this hospital is making within the lives of our children and families, and are excited to present $5 million to the Little Red Wagon Fund. Our goal with this special gift is to challenge our community to raise an additional $5M to support the Little Red Wagon Fund that provides hope and healing through strategic initiatives. Let’s empower Lee Health to serve patients and families in creative and meaningful ways for years to come! We believe in the future of this children’s hospital, and feel blessed to be able to give back. Through our time with the leadership team of Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health, we’ve seen a true passion for the community and an incredible drive to better serve patients through the development and expansion of its programs and services. Together, we can make a difference within our community. Join us as we bring greater medical services to our children today, and build innovative programs to better serve them into the future.”
As the only full-service children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has provided critical health care to 26 percent more children transported in from all corners of the region this past year. Additionally, the children’s hospital has also launched a number of life-changing pediatric programs and services, including dialysis and burn services, as well as a program to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in local schools. Because community-wide support is important, Lee Health Foundation has established the Little Red Wagon Society that will spur the continued development of similar programs to meet the ever-changing pediatric health care needs of the region. For more information about Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Little Red Wagon Fund or becoming part of the Little Red Wagon Society, please call Lee Health Foundation at 239-343-6950 or visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/LittleRedWagon.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past two years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 128-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 64 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
