Baptist Health Foundation Announces $10 Million Gift

Richard P. Cole, Esq., fulfills family tradition of community service and philanthropy

MIAMI, FL – February 5, 2019 – With immense gratitude, Baptist Health Foundation has announced a transformational gift of $10 million from Richard P. Cole, Esq. Mr. Cole credits his late father, Robert, for creating a family tradition of philanthropy and community service.  Twenty-five years ago, Robert established the Robert B. Cole Distinguished Nursing Lecture Series to encourage, inspire and honor Baptist Health’s nurses. The two-day event drew over 1,000 nurses; and during the event, another legacy began with the inauguration of the Richard P. Cole Nurse of the Year Award.  At its silver anniversary, Richard donated $5 million to ensure the sustainability of this popular lecture series started by his dad.

Another $5 million was designated to Miami Cancer Institute in honor of Richard’s parents. Following the family philosophy that great people make great organizations, Cole praised Baptist Health for hiring Founding CEO and Executive Medical Director Michael Zinner, M.D., to head the Institute. 

“Dr. Zinner is such a visionary leader who continues to apply his vast expertise in both the clinical and academic sides of medicine,” said Cole. “He is so well-respected in the industry that he has successfully recruited the best of the best to practice at Miami Cancer Institute.  Our community is extremely fortunate to have access to world-class cancer care in their own backyard.”

Cole’s generous gift to Miami Cancer Institute will support promising research and clinical trials.  Miami Cancer Institute is Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, through which both organizations are closely collaborating to identify the best possible outcomes for patients battling cancer. 

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About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.