Lee Health Foundation Board of Trustees hosted the annual Evening of Appreciation event on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. With more than 400 in attendance, the evening celebrated the impact of philanthropy on healthcare in the Southwest Florida community. Key moments of the evening included the presentation of three humanitarian awards.
The 2025 Frank Haskell Humanitarian Award was received by Tom Golisano, a leading supporter of children’s healthcare throughout the nation and at Lee Health. With total support for Golisano Children’s Hospital reaching $30 million, his generosity has transformed pediatric care for families across Southwest Florida. His $20 million gift in 2012 helped build the hospital and inspired $104 million in community philanthropy, followed by a $10 million gift in 2024 to expand pediatric services. In 2025, Lee Health joined the Golisano Children’s Alliance, collaborating with nine additional children’s hospitals throughout the nation that carry the Golisano name.
During the event, Dr. Emad Salman, chief physician executive and VP of operations at Golisano Children’s Hospital was awarded as the Physician Champion of Philanthropy. His award was presented by Dr. Gonsenhauser, chief medical officer of Lee Health. Reverend Denise Sawyer was honored with the Clinical Champion of Philanthropy Award, presented by Jen Higgins, chief nursing officer for Lee Health.
“This event reminded all of us just how powerful philanthropy can be,” said Dominic Cameratta, board chair for Lee Health Foundation. “It was inspiring to celebrate with so many dedicated supporters as we honored three remarkable leaders whose passion is shaping the future of healthcare in Southwest Florida. I look forward to seeing the incredible impact that philanthropy will continue to make in 2026.”
Dr. Larry Antonucci, Lee Health president and CEO, and Chris Simoneau, chief development, marketing and communications officer for Lee Health, shared the vision for the future of Lee Health. They underscored the impact of the organization’s transition to a community-focused nonprofit and the promises kept to the community over the past year. They also emphasized major milestones including new facility openings, technological advancements, and the continued investment in innovation and patient-centered care.
This year’s Evening of Appreciation event was sponsored by Flad & Skanska. For more information about the humanitarian awards and healthcare advocacy in Southwest Florida through Lee Health, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic support on behalf of community-focused nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand, and enhance lifesaving and preventive programs in Southwest Florida. Contributions to the Foundation benefit all five Lee Health hospitals, including Golisano Children’s Hospital and the future Lee Health Fort Myers campus, as well as key service areas such as Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics, Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples and the Pediatric Specialty Clinic in Port Charlotte. In the past year, the Foundation provided more than $34+ million in funding to enhance patient care throughout the region. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
