Key Highlights
- New York philanthropist Tom Golisano announces a $50 million gift to UK HealthCare.
- The donation will support the mission of improving children’s health care in Kentucky through advanced care, research, and educational opportunities.
- This is the largest gift in UK HealthCare’s history and the second-largest to UK.
- UK Children’s Hospital will be renamed Golisano Children’s at UK as a result of this generous donation.
New York Philanthropist Tom Golisano Announces Historic $50 Million Gift for Kentucky’s Pediatric Care
New York philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex, Inc., has announced a groundbreaking $50 million donation to the University of Kentucky (UK) and UK HealthCare. This substantial gift aims to significantly enhance pediatric health care in Kentucky.
A Generous Legacy Continues
Golisano’s philanthropic contributions span multiple fields including education, hospitals, and organizations supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. His latest donation is part of a larger legacy of giving that has already exceeded $1 billion throughout his lifetime. This new gift to UK HealthCare highlights Golisano’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of children in Kentucky.
Transforming Pediatric Healthcare
The funds will support various initiatives within UK HealthCare, including access to advanced care, research, and educational opportunities for health care professionals. According to UK President Eli Capilouto, “Mr. Golisano’s generosity is a testament to his faith in what we provide to Kentucky and her children.” The gift will also help expand the affiliate network of UK HealthCare, providing essential services across the state.
Rename: Golisano Children’s at UK
To honor this transformative gift, the executive committee of the UK Board of Trustees has approved renaming several facilities. Kentucky Children’s Hospital and its specialty clinics will now be known as Golisano Children’s at UK. This change underscores the impact of the donation and the commitment to advancing health care in the state.
Scottie B. Day, M.D., physician-in-chief for Kentucky Children’s Hospital, expressed gratitude: “The resources this gift will bring are truly life-changing for our patients and their families.” The expanded network of facilities and programs aims to provide more comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to children throughout the state.
A Visionary Leader
Tom Golisano’s journey from founding Paychex to establishing the Golisano Foundation has been marked by a commitment to social impact. His vision, perseverance, and action have made significant contributions in areas such as healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform.
Golisano stated, “I am proud to make this gift to the University of Kentucky to support the health and well-being of children in the Commonwealth. As part of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, UK HealthCare becomes a nationally recognized network exemplifying excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric healthcare.” This investment is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of Kentucky children.
The donation aligns with Golisano’s broader mission to extend compassionate care closer to home. Through his continued support, he aims to ensure that more patients receive high-quality health care services, fostering a healthier and more prosperous state for future generations.
