In a special ceremony on the banks of Lake Estelle, Florida Hospital released five doves symbolizing the spirit of healing and hope that is embodied in a significant gift from noted developer, philanthropist, and Central Floridian Alan H. Ginsburg and the Ginsburg Family Foundation.
Florida Hospital announced that Alan H. Ginsburg and the Ginsburg Family Foundation have given a $20 million gift to Florida Hospital, the largest gift in the hospital’s history. The gift will support the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute that will be located inside the new patient tower at Florida Hospital Orlando.
“The power of this gift has more to do with the meaning than the money. This is a special gift that honors Mr. Ginsburg’s late wife Harriet, his late son Jeffrey, and their family’s continued commitment to providing a healing sanctuary for all those who need it,” said Des Cummings, president of the Florida Hospital Foundation.
In honor of this gift, the new 15-story tower currently under construction at Florida Hospital Orlando will be known as the Ginsburg Tower. The tower will be the tallest hospital building in Florida.
When completed in Fall 2008, the Ginsburg Tower will house the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute and the most advanced cardiovascular technology available, including one of the largest cardiac catheterization labs in the country, cardiac diagnostics, cardiac rehabilitation, electrocardiography, and cardiac research.
“As a physician, I want to work in a hospital that is constantly staying ahead of the curve. With this generous gift from the Ginsburg Family, we are going to be able to continue doing that and providing world-class care to our patients,” said Dr. Scott Pollak, co-medical director of the Electrophysiology Lab at Florida Hospital.
Specifically, one new technology that will be available next year at the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute is stereotaxis, which allows physicians to perform cardiovascular procedures with computerized, remote-control machinery. Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute will be the only facility in Central Florida to offer this new technology.
Mr. Ginsburg, a long-time Central Florida resident, believes in philanthropy close to home and regularly gives to organizations that have meaning to him.
“Every gift should be an invitation to inspire others to embrace the cause, and in this case, it is providing funds for God’s common ground, the hospital,” Ginsburg said. “I believe in Florida Hospital’s mission of providing total care, including the mind, body and spirit.”
Florida Hospital is currently in the midst of its Centennial Campaign that officially kicked off in November 2006 at its annual gala. With the Ginsburg Family’s gift, Florida Hospital has now raised $92 million toward its $100 million goal. Once this campaign is complete, a new campaign will begin for vital programs at Florida Hospital.
“In order to remain on the cutting edge of healthcare and to meet the needs of the residents we serve, Florida Hospital needs the philanthropic support of the community,” said Terry Newmyer, chief development officer for the Florida Hospital Foundation. “The members of the Ginsburg Family are examples of selfless donors who remind us that giving is about a lot more than money – it is about meaning.”