Philanthropists Lynne and Marc Benioff have generously donated $150 million to two Hawaii hospitals in an endeavor to support the expansion of healthcare access throughout the islands. This significant contribution was confirmed in a joint statement released on Tuesday by Hilo Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, UCSF Health, and Salesforce.
Marc Benioff, the CEO of software company Salesforce and owner of TIME Magazine, along with his wife Lynne Benioff, who serves as the co-chair of TIME and is actively involved on the boards of various organizations, have made this donation. This philanthropic gesture stands as one of the largest single private contributions in the history of Hawaii.
As outlined in the press release, $50 million of the donation will be allocated to Hilo Medical Center to enhance critical care areas, such as the development of a state-of-the-art family birthing center, intensive care unit, neurosurgical program, and behavioral health services.
Furthermore, $100 million will be directed to Hawaii Pacific Health to support the establishment of a “healthcare campus of the future” at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu.
Additionally, part of the plan involves connecting Hilo and Straub with UCSF Health in San Francisco to offer specialized care to patients.
This generous donation to Hawaii’s healthcare and infrastructure sectors is not the first from the Benioffs. Officials have indicated that the Benioffs’ personal philanthropic contributions exceed $1 billion, with $600 million allocated to healthcare donations in Hawaii, San Francisco, and across the country.
“The foundation of our philanthropic approach has always been rooted in local giving and supporting experts who possess a deep understanding of local needs. We are delighted to have found such partners in the exceptional and life-saving teams at Hilo Medical Center, Hawai’i Pacific Health, and UCSF Health,” stated the Benioffs.
“We consider ourselves fortunate to have been part of the Hawai’i community for many years and to be able to provide support to our ohana in this manner. There is nothing more paramount than the health of our community and ensuring access to care for all who require it.”
In acknowledgment of the Benioffs’ enduring commitment to healthcare in Hawaii, officials have announced that Hilo Medical Center will be renamed “Hilo Benioff Medical Center,” while Straub Medical Center in Honolulu will be known as the “Straub Benioff Medical Center.”
