S. Dakota Hospital Gets Millions

By The Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Around here, T. Denny Sanford is not known just for the billions he made in banking – he’s also known for the millions he has donated.

When officials at Sioux Valley Hospitals & Health Systems told him of their dream to transform the facility into a major research institution for children’s health, he donated $400 million, and they promised to rename the institution after him – Sanford Health.

“I have been quoted as wanting to die broke,” Sanford, 71, said at Saturday’s announcement before 1,800 employees and community leaders. Hospital president and CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft “is certainly doing the best job he can to make it happen.”

The hospital began in 1894 and has grown to become the largest employer in the region, with 12,000 employees, 340 physicians, 115 clinics and 24 hospitals.

The $400 million will go toward several projects that will bear Sanford’s name. They include building five pediatric clinics in North America tied to the new children’s hospital in Sioux Falls that will bear his name and is scheduled to open in 2009.

(c) 2007 Charleston Gazette, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.