Over $6.7 million in Proceeds Raised will Benefit Baptist Health’s Hospitals and Institutes
May 11, 2022 – Baptist Health Foundation held its Grand Gala Saturday, May 7 at LoanDepotPark with a special celebration honoring Brian and Susan Keeley’s decades-long commitment to the organization. The event united community leaders, healthcare professionals, donors and corporate philanthropy partners to reflect upon and honor the visionary leadership of Mr. and Dr. Keeley and their unparalleled contributions that transformed a single hospital in Miami into a world-renowned healthcare organization.
Keeley will be retiring as CEO of Baptist Health in the fall of 2022 after 53 years of service. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into the largest and most preferred healthcare organization in the region and is one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine; one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute; and has achieved top ranking in U.S. News & World Report year after year.
“Leading the tremendously talented team at Baptist Health has been one of my life’s greatest privileges. Susan and I feel incredibly grateful for our community’s generosity over the years,” said Brian E. Keeley, CEO of Baptist Health. “Funds from this event will help to carry on the legacy of Baptist Health and further enhance what makes this organization so special – its people and its patients. I thank our employees, board members, and supporters from the bottom of my heart for helping to make this longstanding vision a reality.” Aptly themed “Back to the Future,” Gala guests enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by a formal seated dinner, a drone light show, and a presentation honoring Brian and Susan Keeley’s contributions to the South Florida community. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a proposed new building on the Baptist Hospital Campus, which will be named the Brian and Susan Keeley Pavilion and will house Miami Cancer Institute Women’s Cancer Center.
In total, the Grand Gala raised over $6.7 million. The funds raised will help support exceptional patient services, research and clinical trials, education and training for healthcare staff, state-of-the-art technology, community outreach programs and more.
“Philanthropy allows us to continue pushing boundaries and making breakthroughs in healthcare, bringing innovation in treatments and therapies to our patients,” shared Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “Every year, we are humbled by the tremendous support from our donors, but this year we are truly amazed. We look forward to continue standing by our mission of delivering exceptional compassionate care to every community in South Florida.”
“Today, we are on the cusp of major transformations, with new facilities, digital innovation, state-of-the-art technology, advanced research and world-class physicians,” said Jim Carr, Chairman, Baptist Health Board of Trustees. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the Baptist Health family, and we cannot thank the Keeleys enough for their vision and leadership.”
“Under Brian’s leadership, Baptist Health has gone from a single hospital to one of the best healthcare systems in the country,” said Bo Boulenger, Baptist Health’s President & Chief Operating Officer, who will succeed Keeley as President & CEO. “He is a true visionary who has dedicated his career to this organization – its people, patients and community as a whole. I could not be more humbled to be stepping into his role, and look forward to honoring his legacy and the Baptist Health mission by guiding the organization into its next phase.”
The Grand Gala sponsors included Bruce & Cynthia Sherman as Title Sponsors, Karel Foti as Presenting Sponsor, CC Homes, Envision Physician Services and The Nateman Family as Diamond sponsors. Robins & Morton was the Platinum sponsor, and BMI, RASF, and Richard P. Cole, Esq. were Gold sponsors.
Other noteworthy sponsors included Bomnin Automotive, Michele & Howard Kessler, Drs. Joel & Randy Schenkman, and Dr. John & Josie Wang. The Miami HEAT continues to serve as the official sports team partner, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings LTD as the official cruise partner, American Airlines as the official airline partner, and Braman Miami the official auto partner of the Gala.
The Baptist Health Grand Gala was also made possible through the support of Bacardi,
Bank of America, Trish & Dan Bell, ANF Group, Belmont Village, City National Bank, CRMS, Crescent Heights, CritiCare Clinics Inc., Falk Waas, Florida National University, Golden Tree, Healthcare Appraisers, INSIGHTEC, Intercontinental, Kids Medical Services, Inc., Media Counselors, Miami Dolphins, MOSS, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, NV2A Group, Ocean Reef Supporters and Republica Havas.
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.
About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 24,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
