In 1980, Baptist Hospital Foundation was established to direct fundraising efforts in support of a growing Baptist Hospital. A voluntary board of directors, drawn from a cross section of the community, was chosen to guide the foundation and to encourage continued support from the community.
In 1997, Baptist Hospital's merger with South Miami Hospital transitioned the foundation into Baptist/South Miami Hospital Foundation. This merger helped both hospitals attract the resources that allowed them to make a difference in the community.
Over the next ten years, the rapid growth of the South Florida community and Baptist Health's commitment to meet its healthcare needs greatly expanded the role of the foundation. With the addition of Homestead, Mariners and Doctors Hospitals, and the expansion of our diagnostic and urgent care centers, the Foundation evolved into Baptist Health South Florida Foundation.
Today, through the generosity of its donors, the Foundation raises funds to support projects and programs at Baptist, Baptist Children's, South Miami, Doctors, Homestead and Mariners Hospitals, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services. Since its inception in 1980, the Foundation has raised approximately $100 million.
The Founders Society has become the most significant vehicle for donations in our history. Started in 1999, it now includes almost 500 members who have given $50,000 or more.
Our volunteer board members play a significant role in the development and fundraising efforts of the foundation. Their contacts in their respective communities are obviously much greater than those our staff could reach and this is most critical to the success of the foundation.