At $10M, Bob Smittcamp commits Community Medical's largest cash gift
Image via Clark Construction
published on February 27, 2018 - 12:30 PM
Written by Gabriel Dillard
Business owner and philanthropist Robert E. Smittcamp has given $10 million to benefit the neuroscience department at Community Medical Centers — representing the largest single cash gift for the Fresno-based health care system, according to hospital officials.
The gift will be used toward recruiting "world class" neurosurgeons; education, training and retention efforts for department nurses and clinicians; new technological advancements and establishing the Central California Neuroscience Institute at Community Regional as a leader in neurological specialties, according to a statement from Katie Zenovich, Community Medical Centers vice president for corporate development and chief development officer.
"We are so grateful to Bob," Zenovich said. "His leadership in philanthropy will help us do much more to save and improve lives for decades to come."
Combined with a 2016 gift to Community Medical Centers, the Smittcamp Family Foundation has contributed more than $11 million to the neuroscience program.
The first son of Earl and Muriel Smittcamp, founders of Wawona Frozen Foods, Robert — known around town as Bob — serves as chairman and CEO of food ingredient company Lyons Magnus.
A message Tuesday morning seeking comment from Smittcamp was not returned.
Community Medical Centers released the following statement from Smittcamp:
"We are impressed with the ambitious vision and leadership of Community Medical Centers and their rapid growth over the last decade," Smittcamp said. "However, additional growth and recruitment of world-class neurosurgeons is still required to ensure the success of this service line. I am hoping this new gift will accelerate the hospital's plans in this critical service area that affects so many Valley families."
"I've become knowledgeable about Community Medical Centers over the past decade and concluded that it's the charity where I can make the biggest difference, for the most people, for the greatest number of years," Smittcamp added. "This is the Valley's main hospital system, and I hope many others will join me in helping to grow its capabilities."
Community Regional Medical Center's Downtown Fresno campus is the home of the Central California Neuroscience Institute.
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