PHOENIX ( Jan. 14, 2008) – Banner Health Foundation announced today that three local corporations have committed significant funding to the Through the Eyes of a Child Capital Campaign, to support the expansion of Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. The contributions, totaling $600,000, will be invested in the seven-story children’s hospital tower being constructed on the campus of Banner Desert.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has donated $250,000 to the campaign to build the new, free-standing hospital tower. Recognized for investing in organizations that contribute to a vibrant community, Bank of America directs much of its philanthropy to what it terms “anchor institutions” – those organizations, such as hospitals, which serve as economic drivers and provide infrastructure in regions where the bank operates.
“By positively impacting the health care landscape of Arizona, Banner Health’s newly-expanded children’s hospital tower will be a beacon of hope and service to our growing community,” said Benito Almanza, Arizona president, Bank of America. “It’s these types of projects that demonstrate catalytic impact locally that Bank of America takes great pride in supporting.”
The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com have pledged $250,000 to support the construction of the new pediatric patient tower that will house Banner Children’s. The company’s gift will be recognized with the naming of the children’s play area in the hospital’s main lobby.
"The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com are proud to partner with Banner Health on this critical community project," said John Zidich, president and publisher, The Arizona Republic. "We share their commitment to ensuring that our children have access to the quality health care they need. And we know that, with Banner, our investment will have the greatest impact."
The US Airways Community Foundation has granted $100,000 to the Through the Eyes of a Child Capital Campaign. One of the key priorities of the US Airways Community Foundation is to improve the quality and availability of health care in the markets where the majority of the airline’s employees and customers reside.
“Supporting the building of a new children’s hospital facility that will add pediatric beds in this growing market aligns perfectly with our philanthropic objectives,” said C.A. Howlett, president, US Airways Community Foundation. “We are staunchly committed to improving quality of life in the regions we serve, and Banner’s dedication to enhancing health care for children through this project makes them an ideal partner.”
The nonprofit Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center currently provides comprehensive pediatric care to residents throughout Maricopa County. Highly-skilled and compassionate pediatric staff and a full array of pediatric specialty physicians meet the diverse childhood health care needs of our community. As the population of Maricopa County continues to grow at unprecedented levels, so does the need for additional pediatric hospital services. The new tower dedicated to Banner Children’s is part of a major expansion at Banner Desert Medical Center, to substantially increase the pediatric services available to this growing region.
The Through the Eyes of a Child Capital Campaign is a $15 million effort launched in 2007 by the Banner Health Foundation to enlist philanthropic support for the $300 million children’s hospital project at Banner Desert Medical Center. The campaign is already more than 70 percent to its goal.
About Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center
Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center provides comprehensive pediatric care for children of all ages. The hospital provides a full range of services, including emergency care, general pediatrics, intensive care and community education on child health topics. The hospital is a member of the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions.
About Banner Health Foundation
Banner Health Foundation fosters a spirit of giving by making health care solutions a reality for our community. Contributions made to the Foundation are invested locally in the nonprofit Banner Health’s facilities and programs to advance health and wellness. Caring for the future of Arizona since 1978, Banner Health Foundation is supported by the generosity of individual donors, the public and private sectors, and thousands of active volunteers.