Frank DiMino Campus Unveiled
June 15, 2020
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, a medical home close to home for Palm Beach county children with specialized and/or acute medical needs, is now located on the “Frank DiMino Campus” in Wellington. The designation was added to signage on the building, near the entrance, and in its lobby to recognize Mr. DiMino, a 93-year-old philanthropist.
The Wellington resident made a significant contribution to the nonprofit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, which chose the campus naming as a way to honor the donor. The gift was one of the largest in the foundation’s history.
“This will help us improve access to and delivery of high-quality pediatric care for children and families in South Florida,” said Aurelio Fernandez, III, the CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, the specialty center’s parent organization. “So, this generous donation goes a long way toward keeping our kids safe.”
Mr. DiMino recently visited the specialty center and was met by staff carrying signs expressing appreciation. He connected with Fernandez and other Memorial leaders that included Nina Beauchesne, Caitlin Stella, and Kevin Janser. “I’m honored to support such an outstanding organization that does so much for the health and well-being of children and families in South Florida,” said Mr. DiMino.
The donation was made to the foundation’s “Catch the Love” capital campaign, which will help underwrite the cost to expand Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. The initiative will double the size of the stand-alone facility, to 320,000 sq. ft. within an eight-story building. “It’s a $150 million construction project, with $50 million, or a third of it, being raised through philanthropy. This donation will help underwrite the additional four stories that will be added to the existing structure,” said Fernandez.
The expansion will provide ‘Joe D.’ the additional space it needs for specialized cardiac, intensive care, and medical surgical capabilities. It will also increase access to leading-edge pediatric care and treatments, including those for cancer, orthopedic, neurology, and neonatal patients. Additional services will also be extended into the community and support provided to families during their most challenging times.
The donation is Mr. DiMino’s second significant contribution to the children’s hospital foundation. A previous gift, through his own family foundation in 2018, resulted in the DiMino name being added to the emergency department at the children’s hospital.
“We’re just so happy to now have something he can drive by, in his community, with his name on it,” said Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, referring to Mr. DiMino. “It’s a great legacy for him and a great gift for us, so we’re very thankful.”