A Weston family has donated $20 million to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, the largest financial gift in the organization’s history.
The gift, described by hospital officials as “transformational,” is from patient Valerie Trotman and her family. Trotman is the widow of Alex Trotman, who served as chairman, president and CEO at Ford Motor Co. from 1993-98.
The funds will be used to establish the Trotman Family Campus Transformation Fund, and serve as a catalyst for a $40 million, multi-year philanthropic campaign to support BID Needham’s bold vision for the future.
BID Needham President John Fogarty thanked the Trotmans for “their unwavering support.” Three years ago, the Weston family gifted $4.3 million to the hospital, allowing it to expand its intensive care unit and behavioral health services.
“Philanthropy gives the hospital the space to innovate and to dream; now is the time for communities to invest in their local hospital,” said Fogarty, who has led the hospital since 2011. “This generous gift will be used to meet the rising demand for patient-centered care in the community with both urgency and creativity.”
Valerie Trotman credits hospital leadership for ‘remarkable’ growth
In a statement, Trotman applauded BID Needham’s “remarkable” growth over the past decade.
“I believe this success is a testament to the strength of its leadership — John Fogarty, Samantha Sherman (divisional vice president of community hospitals for Beth Israel Lahey Health) and others — who are deeply committed to making more types of clinical care and medical services available close to home,” Trotman said. “What keeps me connected is the hospital’s inspiring vision for the future, building on its past achievements, and I want to be part of that journey.”
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham is a licensed 73-bed acute care community hospital that has served the community for more than 100 years.
It’s part of the Beth Israel Lahey Health system, which encompasses more than 4,700 physicians and 39,000 employees at academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals.