Bernie and Billi Marcus Commit a $32 Million Grant to Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Largest Grant in Hospital’s History will Propel Capabilities at Marcus Neuroscience Institute; Represents One of the Late Bernie Marcus’s Final Major Grants

BOCA RATON, FL – November 18, 2024 – Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital has received an unprecedented $32 million grant from The Marcus Foundation. This extraordinary grant, the largest in Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s history, brings the Marcus’ overall philanthropic support to nearly $75 million. This latest grant – one of the final major grants personally directed by Bernie Marcus before his passing in early November at the age of 95 – will further elevate Marcus Neuroscience Institute into the premier destination for comprehensive, integrated neurological and neurosurgical care throughout the region.

“We are extremely fortunate to be part of a community where individuals like Bernie and Billi Marcus are driven to make such profound impacts. Their extraordinary generosity has brought invaluable resources to Boca Raton, elevating Marcus Neuroscience Institute as a premier destination for brain and spine care. Thanks to their support, we now offer a program that not only rivals but stands alongside the best in the nation,” said Warren Selman, M.D., Director and Chief Medical Officer of Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “Their commitment to advancing healthcare has transformed our capabilities for the community and our patients."

This commitment comes on the heels of the successful Keeping the Promise campaign, nearing completion of its goal to raise $290 million supporting the current $1.1 billion transformation of Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s campus. This latest grant will accelerate the next phase of

expansion within Marcus Neuroscience Institute -- a $124 million initiative – which will focus on the development of subspecialty programs focusing on brain health, with programs for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders and brain tumors. Also included is a major investment in personnel with planned recruitment of new clinician-scientist physicians to drive innovation in brain and spine care. Additionally, the Marcus’ commitment will fund ten new Distinguished Physician Scholars, providing medical staff leaders with the resources to innovate and discover by enhancing research capabilities with clinician-driven translational research.

“We are forever grateful to Bernie and Billi Marcus for their foresight, relentless spirit, selfless generosity, and commitment to their passion to Marcus Neuroscience Institute. This transformative grant will profoundly impact our ability to deliver world-class care and enhance Marcus Neuroscience Institute to better serve the community. This grant reflects their deep commitment to improving healthcare and ensuring our hospital remains a leader in medical excellence for years to come,” said Lincoln Mendez, North Region Executive of Baptist Health and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Upon its launch more than a decade ago, the Institute transformed the landscape of clinical capabilities at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and quickly became one of South Florida’s preeminent neuroscience centers and the provider of choice for patients, physicians, and employees, featuring some of the world’s most advanced technology. Over the last several years, the demand and Institute’s distinction combined have resulted in exponential growth – from 360 surgeries in 2015 to nearly 1,300 surgeries expected in 2024 and from 2,506 patient encounters in the Institute’s outpatient clinic in 2015 to nearly 49,000 encounters expected in 2024.

Dr. Selman was recruited to lead Marcus Neuroscience Institute in 2023 and appointed Clinical Affiliate Professor of Neurosurgery in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Selman previously served as

the director of the Neurological Institute and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Selman is an outstanding clinician-scientist and a pioneer in the field. His specialties include the surgical management of cerebrovascular disorders and brain and skull base tumors. He is a leader in developing and using virtual and augmented reality for neurosurgical procedures, a testament to his innovative approach. Dr. Selman has published over 250 peer-reviewed manuscripts, chapters, and books.

Bernie Marcus, along with his surviving spouse Billi, was an ardent philanthropist who has donated more than $2.7 billion to more than 500 organizations worldwide. Their intention is to continue their spirit of giving over the next 20 years through The Marcus Foundation. Bernie Marcus, co-founder and former CEO and chairman of The Home Depot, was an early signer of the Giving Pledge, started in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett, in which billionaires commit to giving away at least half their fortunes during their lifetime.

“Bernie was immensely proud of the transformative work that Marcus Neuroscience Institute has accomplished thus far in enhancing neurological care in the South Florida community,” said Jay Kaiman, President of The Marcus Foundation. “This grant provides a significant step forward, enabling MNI to elevate its capabilities even further and be a destination center for world-class treatment and discovery. Bernie, together with his wife, Billi, was so committed to fostering innovation and excellence in healthcare and wanted to ensure that the people of Boca Raton and beyond have access to the best possible care for their neurological needs.”

Their extraordinary generosity has been widely recognized for its enduring impact. Bernie and Billi Marcus were named the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year by Forbes and were recipients of The Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, given to individuals who have served with distinction in public life. Mr. Marcus was named the inaugural recipient of Inc. 500’s Bernard A. Goldhirsh Award, was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame, and has received the USO Patriot Award, and the Sea Keeper Award for promoting the restoration and protection of the world’s oceans.

“We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary commitment to the future of Boca Raton Regional Hospital,” said Mendez. “There are not enough accolades to adequately convey their value to our healthcare future.”