Eisenhower Medical Center Rededicates Original Hospital Building

Donors Dennis and Phyllis Washington honored for helping fund seismic retrofit and renovation

Site Staff Social Scene

 

The importance of giving now has a special date for Dennis and Phyllis Washington.

Mayor Dana Hobart proudly announced Nov. 16 as “Dennis and Phyllis Washington Day” in the City of Rancho Mirage after the Indian Wells couple were honored for their donation to provide a seismic retrofit and renovation of the hospital’s original building (also known as the Ike Wing).

The main hospital building unveiled its new name, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Building.

• For related story: We Like Ike!

Greg Renker, Chairman of the Board at Eisenhower Medical Center, regaled guests at the dedication with a story about the board meeting that helped launched the retrofit fundraising campaign. Nearly two years ago, the Washingtons announced they would make a $12.5 million matching grant — half of the funds needed for the retrofit — and challenging Eisenhower Medical Center to raise the other $12.5 million.

Shortly after the challenge had been made, a trustee meeting was held, in which Greg and Stacey Renker, and trustees Jackie Autry, Harold Matzner and Jim Houston stepped up with million-dollar commitments. Within a matter of minutes, the hospital had received $4 million in pledges.

Michael Landes, President of Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation, kicked off the event by sharing a brief history of the hospital and its founders, explaining how the organization’s exponential growth wouldn’t have been possible without its generous donors.

He continued by thanking everyone who gave to the seismic retrofit, including: H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Robert Howard and Peggy Jacobs, Suzy and Mike Leprino, Mary and Ray Mithun, John and Carole Moran, Greg and Stacey Renker, Mike and Jan Salta, Houston, Matzner, and Autry.

Eisenhower’s President and Chief Executive Officer G. Aubrey Serfling underscored the important role philanthropy has played for the hospital. 

Guests in attendance included: Greg and Stacey Renker, Mike Leprino, Helene Galen, Harry and Joy Goldstein, Alan and Helen Greene, Becky Benaroya and Sally Berger, Matzner, Leprino, and Jan Salta.

 

Aubrey Serfling, Eisenhower’s President and Chief Executive Officer, spoke on the importance of philanthropy.

 

Greg Renker, Chairman of the Board at Eisenhower Medical Center, shares how the donations came about.

 

(From left) Aubrey Serfling; Greg Renker; Michael Landes, President of Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation, and Phyllis Washington listen to Dennis Washington speak.

 

(From left) Phyllis and Dennis Washington stand by as Rancho Mirage Mayor Dana Hobart proclaims “Dennis and Phyllis Washington Day.”

 

The newly christened Dennis and Phyllis Washington main building at Eisenhower Medical Center.

 

(From left) Helene Galen, Dr. Brian Herman, and Madeline Redstone.

 

Brent Hartman (left) with Greg Renker.

 

(From left) Dr. Shahriyar Tavakoli, Ali Tourkaman, and Sadie Tourkaman.

 

(From left) Stacey Renker, Greg Renker, Lori Serfling and Aubrey Serfling.

 

More than 100 people attended the Nov. 16 event in Rancho Mirage.

 

(From left) Michael Landes, Aubrey Serfling, Greg Renker, Phyllis and Dennis Washington, and Martin Massiello, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Eisenhower Medical Center.

 

Guests enjoy the new illuminated sign at Eisenhower Medical Center.

(From left) Aubrey Serfling, Rancho Mirage Mayor Dana Hobart, Vicki Hobart, and Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Ted Weil.