Gift will be recognized with the naming of the surgery reception area of the new Gloria Drummond Patient Tower
BOCA RATON, FL – April 5, 2022 – Boca Raton residents Marla Schaefer and Steve Weishoff have made a $1
million gift to
Keeping the Promise…The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital…their second significant contribution to the historic fund-raising
effort. Marla and Steve’s generosity brings the total funds raised
through the
Keeping the Promise Campaign to more than $225 million toward its goal of $250 million.
“Steve and I are strong supporters of the hospital and we have seen
the challenges the entire staff has faced since the start of the pandemic,”
explained Ms. Schaefer. “This just seemed like the ideal time to
give back to Boca Regional and make a second donation. We want our gift
to be an example to others in the community – it has never been
more important to ensure the future of the hospital for generations to
come.”
“We believe the partnership with Baptist Health South Florida has
further solidified the growth and success of the hospital," said
Mr. Weishoff. “The collaboration of the two already strong organizations
brings new resources to secure more world-renowned clinicians and continued
breakthrough research opportunities.”
The need to modernize the hospital campus has been further emboldened by
the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the value that private patient rooms
bring to the health and wellbeing of patients. Smart technology for efficient
and effective communication can also help minimize the spread of infection
and disease. In addition, the currently under construction Toby and Leon
Cooperman Medical Arts Pavilion will offer brand new outpatient treatment
and ambulatory surgery options – reducing hospital traffic.
“Marla and Steve are the kind of supporters who make Boca Raton Regional
Hospital truly unique in South Florida and throughout the state,”
said Lincoln Mendez, CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Their
commitment to supporting our staff and to our continued growth helps us
continue to offer the highest level of care and sends a strong message
that community support is invaluable to our future. We are extremely grateful
for their philanthropy and for the trust it represents between Boca Regional
and the community at large.”
Ms. Schaefer and Mr. Weishoff are long-time residents of Boca Raton who
divide their time between South Florida and North Carolina. They are active
supporters of many local organizations, including Temple Beth El of Boca Raton.
“We are so grateful for their generous support,” said Stan
Barry, co-chair of
Keeping the Promise. “They are such valuable members of our donor family and we simply
can’t thank them enough. Their commitment demonstrates their loyalty,
dedication, and belief in our future.”
The $250 million
Keeping the Promise Campaign is the largest fund-raising initiative in Boca Regional’s
history and is supporting its most ambitious period of growth and expansion.
The campus redevelopment plans include at the centerpiece, the new Gloria
Drummond Patient Tower where patients will be welcomed in the inviting
new Louis B. and Anne W. Green Lobby with plans for retail, dining, meeting
space, a sanctuary, outdoor courtyards and other conveniences for visitors.
The new tower features all new surgical suites and all private patient
rooms exceeding the latest safety standards for patient care. In the current
hospital building, all existing rooms will be converted to private in
a comprehensive renovation of all patient units including maternity, oncology,
and orthopedics. An expansion of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute is
well underway with emphasis on neurovascular/stroke, central nervous system
tumors, spine, and epilepsy/seizure disorders. The 972-car Schmidt Family
Parking Facility will be connected to the Marcus Neuroscience Institute
once the new tower construction is complete. Also, well underway with
dramatic progress on campus is the new Toby and Leon Cooperman Medical
Arts Pavilion with outpatient surgery, physician offices, an Ambulatory
Surgery Center and the adjacent Eleanor R. Baldwin Parking Facility.