The Capital Campaign Recognition Program, introduced by the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation in Jan. 2023, allows donors to leave a lasting legacy with an engraved plaque mounted outside patient and exam rooms, consult rooms, managers’ offices, nursing stations, operating rooms, conference rooms, hallways and nursing units throughout the hospital.
Among the newly named spaces is the “Don E. & Lois Walden, Jr. Multi-Purpose Room“, a space dedicated to the memory of Selina and Lee-Ann Walden’s parents. “My parents were born and raised in Plant City, went to school here, and they were always involved in philanthropic things like the Kiwanis,” said daughter Selina Walden. “Daddy had given money to the old hospital and, although he passed away a couple years ago, I know he would be happy about this contribution to the workings of the new hospital.”
A plaque sits outside a second meeting room, in memory of her grandparents, Don Walden Sr. and Lucille Gallagher-Walden. “He had been the mayor, he was a big supporter of the Baptist church here and he was really involved in a lot of the fundraising to get South Florida Baptist Hospital constructed here. I think he would be happy because he was always concerned about how Plant City citizens were served and he would definitely consider the new hospital an improvement to Plant City.”
Some donors had specific rooms they wanted to sponsor. For Eugena Gale and her family, the lobby of the cancer infusion center was a meaningful space. Gale’s brother-in-law, Buddy Bennett, who succumbed to colon cancer in 2015, was the longtime president of the Plant City Dolphins football team. “He had his chemo and blood transfusions at SFBH and always talked about how great the staff was and how well they treated him,” she said.
A plaque honoring his memory hangs near the registration desk. “We felt that he’d want to donate back to the hospital that took such good care of him,” said Gale.
Carolyn McMullen’s donation was in memory of her parents, supporters of the hospital from its humble beginnings, who she fondly recalls sacrificing generously to make sure the newly constructed hospital was successful. In addition to a plaque near the stained glass artwork in a hallway outside the chapel, a plaque near the chapel doors marks their commitment and faith. “It was important to have that plaque outside the chapel doors because to God be the glory and it’s through His healing of the mind, body and soul that we find peace,” she said.
SFBH Foundation Executive Director Jana Butler emphasized the program’s dual benefit of improving hospital facilities while fostering a deep connection between the full-service, not-for-profit community hospital and its supporters. “Donors may have an affinity with a certain department or service and we try to accommodate their request,” said Butler. “Donor recognition is created to say thank you for their generosity and kindness.”
The program was also created as a means to help the foundation achieve its mission of providing philanthropic support for high quality medical care in Plant City. “To date the program has raised $4.9 million,” she said. “These funds provide SFBH with opportunities for state-of-the-art equipment, enhanced services and programs.”
The Foundation was officially established in 1995 and has raised more than $16 million through leadership gifts, capital campaigns, popular special event fundraisers and planned gifts, but community support for South Florida Baptist Hospital had been tirelessly raising funds for the hospital since the 1940’s, when Rowena Mays and M.E. Moody donated the land the old hospital sits on.
Naming opportunities begin at $5,000 and can be pledged up to five years. In addition to the engraved plaque, donors will also be recognized in the main lobby or on its wall of honor with either a customized artistic glass or on its state-of-the-art digital display.
“It’s really the gift that keeps on giving and it’s the joy you get from giving to an institution that makes the next generation of Plant City better,” said McMullen. “It’s about being a part in the sustaining of the hospital.”
The Capital Campaign Recognition Program isn’t the only fundraiser sponsored by the foundation. It also hosts other events throughout the year, including the annual Children’s Classic Golf tournament that supports its Wellness on Wheels Community Health Program, Diamonds & Denim Gala and Lights of Love Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Naming opportunities are still available and are listed on the foundation’s website under “New Hospital” tab. For more information about the Capital Campaign Recognition Program visit www.sfbhfoundation.org or call its office at (813) 757-8478.