San Diego – May 2, 2015 – Building upon its legacy as a visionary and pioneering force for pediatric healthcare in San Diego, Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary has announced it is pledging $2.5 million to support the Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute.
Since a small group of women first met in 1953, the Auxiliary has worked in partnership with Rady Children’s to fundraise, advocate for the health and well-being of children and increase community awareness of the Hospital.
“The Auxiliary’s generous pledge represents an important measure of the community’s support for the mission of the Institute,” said David F. Hale, Chairman of the Board of the Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute. “It means that our most ardent supporters are in agreement that genomics is very important in the future of pediatric medicine and Rady Children’s is leading the way.”
“In 1954, the Auxiliary was the driving force behind creating a Hospital just for kids and has consistently supported its growth over six decades,” said Steve Jennings, Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Now the Auxiliary is again taking a leadership role by being the first to heed Ernest Rady’s call to join him in launching the Rady Pediatric Genomics and Systems Medicine Institute.”
Auxiliary President Cheryl Steinholt leads the 22 units countywide.
“Our Auxiliary is one of a kind and together we truly make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community,” said Steinholt. “We are so excited to take that next step and support the Genomics Institute which has the potential to make a profound impact on healthcare for children worldwide.”
Every year the Auxiliary holds various events and activities that collectively result in funding a myriad of programs; some are existing programs that are greatly enhanced, and some would simply not exist without the Auxiliary’s philanthropy. The Auxiliary intends to maintain this strong philanthropic support while raising $2.5 million above and beyond its typical annual contribution.
“We honor the more than 1,300 members of Rady Children’s Auxiliary for their dedication, vision and support as they join us on this journey into the future of pediatric medicine,” said Dr. Donald Kearns, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rady Children’s.
About Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego:
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is a 520-bed pediatric care facility providing the largest source of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, Southern Riverside and Imperial Counties. Rady Children’s is the only hospital in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare and is the region’s only designated pediatric trauma center. In June 2014, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rady Children’s among the best children’s hospitals in the nation in all ten pediatric specialties the magazine surveyed. For more information, visit www.rchsd.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Ben Metcalf
619.822.8593