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RAPAPORT... Kay Jewelers donated $10 million to the "Building on the Promise" campaign, which is raising capital for the Akron Children's Hospital expansion in Ohio. The campaign has raised $41 million of a $60 million goal so far. Kay's monetary gift was the largest in the hospital's history and, in exchange, the hospital will name a new medical building the Kay Jewelers Pavilion.
Ed Hrabak, the president of Kay Jeweler's parent company, Sterling Jewelers, said, "One of our pillars as a responsible business is giving back to the communities in which we work and live. Akron Children's has an incredible record of care and its dedication to making our community a healthier and safer place is something we support wholeheartedly. We are thrilled to introduce the Kay Jewelers Pavilion and are excited for it to open and be part of the amazing work done here beginning next spring." Since 2012, "Building on the Promise" has helped to finance the expansion, which broke ground in May 2013. When it opens in May 2015, it will house a neonatal intensive care unit, emergency department, outpatient surgery center and labor and delivery unit for high-risk newborns. This initiative has also supported the renovation and expansion of the Ronald McDonald House of Akron. In addition to Kay Jewelers Pavilion, the new cafe in the building will also be called the Kay Kafe.
Bill Considine, the president of Akron Children's Hospital, said, "It's humbling to have an organization like Sterling Jewelers support Akron Children's in such a monumental way. Their investment represents how special Akron Children's is while validating their own continued commitment to strengthening our community. This gift will allow us to continue bringing the most advanced pediatric medical care to northern Ohio. We're tremendously grateful for their generosity and support."
Sterling Jewelers has been supporting Akron Children's Hospital since 1988, sponsoring fundraisers and events, supporting patient families during the Christmas season and establishing the Sterling Jewelers Family Respite Area in the hospital's Reinberger Family Center. Robert Trabucco, the chief financial officer for Sterling Jewelers, currently serves as chairman for the hospital's board of directors. "It's an honor for me to be a part of two great organizations that have such a vested interest in the health and wellbeing of our community," said Trabucco. "The opening of the Kay Jewelers Pavilion is a reflection of our continued support and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership."
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