$10 million gift from Barri and Dave Drury fuels the next generation of Pediatric Research at Children’s Hospital

Milwaukee philanthropists Barri and Dave Drury have made a transformative $10 million gift to Children’s Wisconsin to advance pediatric research, marking one of the largest donations of its kind in the hospital’s history.

The Drurys, longtime volunteers and advocates for Children’s, hope their contribution—establishing the Drury Family Discovery Fund—will help attract and retain world-class researchers and physicians focused on improving care for young patients.

“We’re hoping this fund will help bring in top-notch people and support their research,” said Barri Drury, a former nurse and past board member of the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation. Her husband, Dave Drury, is a partner at Milwaukee-based Wing Capital Group and has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Northwestern Mutual.

Over decades of involvement, the couple has supported Children’s through major campaigns and endowments, including funds for the pediatrician-in-chief and chief scientific officer roles. Their latest gift aims to accelerate discoveries in child health, from genetic research to new treatment approaches, and to provide critical seed funding for emerging scientists before they secure competitive federal grants.

“This really is going to be a game-changer,” said Joy Lincoln, Children’s chief scientific officer. “The Drurys understand that behind every medical breakthrough are teams of talented people who need the resources to reach their goals.”

Children’s Wisconsin President and CEO Gil Peri called the couple “steadfast, passionate and humble supporters who have always led with heart.”

The Drurys plan to continue volunteering with the hospital as their new fund fuels a new chapter of pediatric innovation.