Holy Cross Health’s Evening of Gratitude Celebrates Accomplishments Made Possible by Philanthropy Circle Major Donors

Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 22, 2024) - Holy Cross Health hosted an Evening of Gratitude, on January 17, 2024, to express heartfelt appreciation to generous donors who helped raise more than $11 million in 2023 for Holy Cross to continue to bring the community state-of-the-art technology and equipment and transformational programs and services.

More than 135 guests, including Philanthropy Circle supporters and Holy Cross Health board members, enjoyed an outdoor reception and live musical entertainment under the stars on the patio at Lauderdale Yacht Club followed by dinner and the evening’s program.

“I want to express my appreciation to all of those who through their generosity have made a significant impact on the patients that we serve,” said Mark Doyle, President and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “Their commitment is the driving force behind our continued success. We are grateful for the difference they make not only within our hospital but throughout the entire community. Through philanthropy, we are building excellence together.”

During the dinner, Holy Cross cardiologist Karan Munuswamy, M.D. was presented with the inaugural Remarkable Philanthropy Champion Award in recognition for his 40-plus years of treating patients and fundraising at Holy Cross Health.

“Dr. Munuswamy is a visionary cardiologist, a devoted philanthropist and a remarkable champion of philanthropy who stands as a beacon of inspiration and compassion for more than four decades of exceptional service at Holy Cross Health,” said Laura Denoux, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Holy Cross Health. “Physician engagement in healthcare philanthropy is key to our success. Dr. Munuswamy always goes above and beyond for our patients and our donors and has raised millions of dollars throughout his career as our medical director of philanthropy.”

“I believe in Holy Cross Health, our mission and our vision,” said Dr. Munuswamy. “I am humbled by this award, but I also share it with all my colleagues at Holy Cross Health, our Board of Directors and all of our donors who support us. As always, we are focused on providing our patients with the highest level of quality care.

The Remarkable Philanthropy Champion Award will be presented annually to an exceptional individual, a physician, donor, board member or colleague, who demonstrates a significant philanthropic impact through generous contributions or their ability to inspire others to give.

“When we created a physician philanthropy role, I could not think of a better person than Dr. Munuswamy,” added Doyle. “He has the passion and compassion for patients, serving Holy Cross and expanding our reach into the community.”

An Evening of Gratitude Gold Sponsor was Independence Home Health. Silver Sponsors were Florida Blue and Rita Case and Rick Case Automotive Group. Bronze Sponsors were Belmont Village, Catholic Health Services, CITY Furniture, Engel Construction, Inc., Holy Cross Emergency Physicians, PA, MDVIP and Drs. Sarita and Karan Munuswamy. 

“We thank all of our sponsors for an incredible evening and appreciate our many donors who truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Rudy Molinet, RN, MPH, FACHE, Chair of the Holy Cross Board of Directors. “We especially want to thank Kelly and Keith Koenig for sponsoring us at the Lauderdale Yacht Club.”

ABOUT HOLY CROSS HEALTH 
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospital rankings and was named among the 2024 America's Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as our community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also encompasses Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, an urgent care center and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com. Connect @holycrossfl.