Friday, February 13, 2015
Parkland Foundation announced Thursday that it reached its $150 million public/private funding goal for Parkland Memorial Hospital.
The foundation is a fundraising initiative for Parkland Health & Hospital System, North Texas' second-largest hospital by number of beds. In 2008, it kicked off its "I Stand for Parkland" campaign, which aimed to raise $150 million for a new Parkland hospital on Harry Hines Boulevard, across from Parkland's current location.
"When I think of Parkland … I think that everyone deserves the dignity and privacy during treatment and with this facility they'll have it," said Ruth Altshuler, a donor and campaign advisory council member with "I Stand for Parkland."
More than 12,700 donors gave to the cause, pledging amounts from $10 to millions. One notable donation came from Dallas resident Lyda Hill, who gifted $10 million and encouraged fellow philanthropists to give similar contributions.
Following Hill's lead, local entrepreneur Mike Myers gave the final $5 million to complete the fundraising.
"The new Parkland hospital represents the best of what our community can do when we come together in a common noble purpose," Myers said. "I hope that my commitment inspires others to recognize the value this institution provides to the Dallas community. It is an absolutely essential resource for our most vulnerable citizens, but Parkland is also a pioneer in innovative approaches to medicine. You can't beat that."
Parkland Memorial cost $1.32 billion to construct, including a $747 million bond package approved by Dallas County residents in 2008. The 17-story, 2.1-million-square-foot facility will open on Aug. 20 and include 862 beds.
"The design is structured to promote healing and better infection control," Parkland President and CEO Dr. Fred Cerise said of the new building. "Parkland's mission is to keep the population healthy and in the community where they live, not here. But it is great to know that they can come here to be treated safely and with dignity."
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