Tom Golisano, the founder of Paychex and a major philanthropist in health care, has given $50 million to the Wellstar Childrens Hospital of Georgia. This record breaking donation, announced on December 29, 2025, will rename the hospital to Wellstar Golisano Childrens Hospital of Georgia and help it join a national group of top childrens hospitals.
The gift is the largest ever for Wellstar Health System and the hospital in Augusta, Georgia. It aims to boost care for kids in the region and beyond.
Details of the Massive Donation
This $50 million investment comes from Golisanos long history of supporting childrens health. He announced it as part of a bigger $100 million pledge that also helps Arkansas Childrens Hospital.
The money will fund new programs, better equipment, and more research at the hospital. Leaders say it will change how they treat young patients with serious illnesses.
Wellstar officials shared that the donation honors Golisanos work to make childrens hospitals stronger across the country. It ties into his goal of creating networks that share ideas and improve care.
How the Gift Will Change the Hospital
Renaming to Wellstar Golisano Childrens Hospital of Georgia shows the deep impact of this support. The hospital, linked with Augusta Universitys Medical College of Georgia, serves kids from Georgia and nearby states.
With this funding, the hospital plans to expand services like emergency care, cancer treatment, and mental health support. It will also hire more experts and upgrade facilities.
This boost comes at a key time. Childrens hospitals face rising needs from growing populations and complex health issues. The gift helps meet those demands.
Experts note that such large donations can lead to breakthroughs in pediatric medicine. For example, similar gifts have funded new therapies for rare diseases in other places.
Tom Golisanos Philanthropy Journey
Tom Golisano started Paychex in 1971 and built it into a huge payroll company. Now, he focuses on giving back, especially to childrens health and people with disabilities.
He has donated hundreds of millions over the years. In 2025 alone, his gifts include $253 million to six hospitals to form the Golisano Childrens Alliance.
Golisano often says his drive comes from personal experiences and a wish to help kids get the best care. His foundations work spans education, health, and community support.
- Key areas of Golisanos giving: Childrens hospitals, intellectual disability programs, and community health centers.
- Total donations: Over $500 million in the last decade, based on public records.
- Recent focus: Building alliances to share knowledge among hospitals.
This latest gift fits his pattern of large, targeted investments that create lasting change.
Joining the Golisano Childrens Alliance
The hospital now joins the Golisano Childrens Alliance, a group of 12 leading childrens hospitals across the nation. This network lets members share best practices and innovate together.
Each hospital stays independent but gains from joint efforts. Wellstar is the only one in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Being part of this alliance opens doors to new research and training. It could lead to better outcomes for kids with conditions like heart defects or chronic illnesses.
| Alliance Member Hospitals | Location | Year Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Golisano Childrens Hospital | Rochester, NY | 2009 |
| Arkansas Childrens | Little Rock, AR | 2025 |
| Wellstar Golisano Childrens Hospital of Georgia | Augusta, GA | 2025 |
| John R. Oishei Childrens Hospital | Buffalo, NY | 2025 |
| Other Members (Examples) | Various US States | 2010-2024 |
This table shows some key members and their join dates, highlighting the alliances growth.
Broader Impact on Childrens Health
This donation ties into wider trends in health care philanthropy. In 2025, giving to hospitals hit record levels, with over $12 billion donated nationwide, according to health reports.
It also connects to recent events, like increased focus on pediatric mental health after the pandemic. Golisanos gift could support programs that address these needs.
Families in the Southeast will benefit most. The hospital treats thousands of kids each year, and this funding ensures top level care for all.
Leaders hope it inspires more donors to step up. Similar gifts, like a $200 million donation to a Georgia hospital in 2020, have shown how philanthropy drives progress.
What This Means for the Future
Looking ahead, the hospital plans to use the funds over several years. They aim to build new wings and launch community outreach.
This could create jobs and boost the local economy in Augusta. It also positions Georgia as a leader in childrens health.
Wellstar CEO Ketul Patel called the gift extraordinary. He said it will help kids today and for generations.
As childrens health needs grow, investments like this play a vital role. They bridge gaps in funding and bring hope to families.
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