Holy Cross Health’s Evening of Gratitude Shines Light on Donors

Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation receives Remarkable Philanthropy Champion Award

Holy Cross Health recently hosted its annual Evening of Gratitude, shining a light on donors who, in 2024, contributed over $11 million for technology, equipment, programs and services to provide the highest quality patient care.

In addition to celebrating the milestone accomplishments of Holy Cross Heath, the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation was presented with the Remarkable Philanthropy Champion Award. It is presented annually to an exceptional individual—physician, donor, board member, or colleague—who demonstrates a significant philanthropic impact through generous contributions or their ability to inspire others to give.

Doris and Albert Chance

Gail and Michael Kaplan

“Our donors are truly remarkable,” said Laura Denoux, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Holy Cross Health. “It is through their support that we have accomplished so much this past year, from modernizing our facilities to introducing new programs and services. We are blessed to have the enduring support of the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation, along with the generosity of all our supporters, enabling us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.”

In 2024, Holy Cross Health unveiled the newly renovated Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Surgical Suites. The Foundation’s $5 million gift funded the renovation of seven operating rooms, the storage room and a portion of the area where instruments are sterilized.

“Thank you, Holy Cross Health. On behalf of the board of directors of the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation, we are privileged to accept this honor and appreciate it very, very much,” said Steve Mehallis of the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation, in accepting the award.

Mehallis told the story of the Mangurian family beginning from when they first moved to Fort Lauderdale in the 1960s and concluded with a quote from the Chronical of Philanthropy – ‘People change once they’ve chosen to engage with a problem and with a community that they are trying to help. They grow with the community and learn about what they are doing for others. They experience different aspects of themselves and the community that they could not have otherwise experienced.’ He added, “I believe that quote fits the Mangurians perfectly. The more I think about that quote, the more I think it accurately portrays what tonight is all about. An Evening of Gratitude. Not just about the Mangurian Foundation, but about everyone in the room tonight. I applaud all of you for what you do to support Holy Cross and this community.”

In addition to the surgical suites, the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Diagnostic Imaging Center and Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center are named in honor of the family. The Foundation also sponsors the annual Holy Cross Health Golf Classic, which raises funds for the Partners in Breast Health program at the Holy Cross Health Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center.

During the Evening of Gratitude dinner, Denoux spoke of some of the highlights in 2024 that resulted from the power of philanthropy. Included in the accomplishments from last year were the contributions from Wanda and Jim Moran Jr. Foundation to improve capabilities and care in the Emergency Department; the opening of the Cardiac Imaging Unit in the Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center; new infusion chairs in the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center donated by Gunther Motor Company Jay and Terry Gunther, Phyllis and Al Thomas and Sheri A. and Don Whittington; 43 clinical staff and colleagues were provided with professional development opportunities through the family of Robert and Eugenie Friedman Awards; the Institute for Nursing Excellence, funded 100% by philanthropy; the unveiling of the Philanthropy Gallery; and advancements in the latest in medical technologies.

“I truly thank and appreciate all that you do for our patients and colleagues,” said Rob Casalou, Interim President and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “But please be assured we are not resting on our laurels. We are very excited about the future, which includes plans for improving access, modernizing and renovating facilities, adding locations, expanding programs and services and recruiting the best and brightest, all to better serve our patients and the community. Through philanthropy, we are building excellence together.”

An Evening of Gratitude Silver Sponsors were BrightView, Catholic Health Services, City Furniture, DPR Construction, Independence Home Health, Raider Rooter and Responsive Home Care; Bronze Sponsors were Belmont Village Senior Living, Holy Cross Emergency Physicians, PA, MDVIP and Rick Case Automotive Group.

Holy Cross Board Chair Rudy Molinet, R.N., MPH, FACHE also thanked sponsors, board members and directors and the Holy Cross Development team. “I am so proud of the incredible recognitions Holy Cross Health received and the accomplishments we are very proud to have had this past year,” he said. “From Newsweek’s prestigious list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals to accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program to the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Equality Florida’s Equality Means Business Award to all of the advancements in facilities, technology and services, we are truly your most trusted healthcare partner for life. Something we could not do without the philanthropic support of our valued donors.”

Holy Cross Health graciously accepts ongoing donations for all areas of greatest need and specific departments that donors connect with. Visit holy-cross.com/GIVING to learn about giving opportunities.

ABOUT HOLY CROSS HEALTH 
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospital rankings and was named among the 2024 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek. Holy Cross has been designated as a High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ+ healthcare access. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as our community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also encompasses Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, an urgent care center and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com. Connect @holycrossfl.

(Photos Credit: Downtown Photo)