The 24th Annual SanCap Cares Island Celebration March 14 was a night of generosity and celebration, raising over $800,000 for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida’s planned pediatric surgery center.
“The Sanibel Captiva island community continues to stand up for children’s health care in Southwest Florida as they have for 24 years now,” said Valerie Tutor, a member of the SanCap Cares committee. “We are proud to be a part of such a giving group of people, and tonight was a celebration for them! We are just so grateful and happy to see some of the new islanders joining this cause as well.”
The event returned to its inaugural venue, the Sanibel Community House. During cocktail hour, guests browsed the Give-to-Give silent auction, which highlighted essential equipment necessary to enrich existing programs and services and fund needs that are often overlooked. Many of the comforts extended to patients and families at the nonprofit hospital rely solely on the generosity of donors.
Guests enjoyed dinner followed by a brief program hosted by Jeff Muddell from the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. Attendees were treated to updates from the Golisano team and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci, highlighting the hospital’s strides in addressing pediatric healthcare needs within our community. The Bay Kings Band entertained guests.
The SanCap Cares event is historically one of the largest fundraising events on the islands of the season. Started by a group of concerned mothers in 2001, the event has raised over $18 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital in 24 years. Even through the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, the islands continued to pour so much love and support into this event for the benefit of Southwest Florida children.
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company again served as Presenting Sponsor. Al and Sally Hanser were recognized as the 2024 Honorary Chairs.
The event supports the development of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery Center. Last year, approximately 4,200 outpatient pediatric surgeries and procedures were performed at HealthPark Medical Center to treat fractures, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ENT conditions, orthopedic maladies and appendectomies.
The new surgery center will provide world-class, compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Details and timeline for construction of the 40,000-square-foot, one-story center, which is expected to cost about $40 million, are still being determined. When it opens, it is expected to include four operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms and numerous exam rooms, recovery bays and pre-op rooms. An estimated $15-20 million is needed from philanthropy to fund medical equipment and furnishings for the center.
As SanCap Cares approaches its 25th year, preparations are already underway for what promises to be another unforgettable evening. To learn more about SanCap Cares or supporting Golisano Children’s Hospital, please call Justin Brand, 239-343-6067 or email [email protected].
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples. Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
