Full Breakdown
$50 Million Investment Transforms Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia
12/29/2025, 8:13:33 PM
Historic Donation and Renaming
Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex and a prominent health care philanthropist, has made a landmark $50 million donation to the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, marking the largest investment in the hospital's history. In recognition of this significant contribution, the hospital will be renamed the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia. This donation is part of Golisano's broader commitment to enhancing pediatric care across the United States.
Joining the Golisano Children’s Alliance
With this investment, the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital will become a member of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national consortium of twelve leading children's hospitals. This alliance aims to foster collaboration, share best practices, and expand innovative pediatric services. The Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital is the only member from Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, enhancing its position as a leader in pediatric care.
Impact on Pediatric Care
The donation will facilitate the establishment of a new state-of-the-art Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, further solidifying Wellstar's reputation for delivering advanced surgical specialties and high-acuity care. Ketul J. Patel, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System, expressed gratitude for Golisano's support, emphasizing the transformative impact this gift will have on children's health in Georgia and beyond.
Broader Context of Philanthropy
Tom Golisano's philanthropic efforts extend beyond this donation, with contributions exceeding $1 billion to various causes, including education and health care. His foundation, the Golisano Foundation, focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Golisano Children’s Alliance, launched in 2025, aims to elevate pediatric care by enhancing collaboration among member hospitals.
Official Statements
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen highlighted the significance of Golisano's gift, stating, “This is a transformative gift that gives national attention to the amazing care delivered every day at our children’s hospital.” Karen B. Keen, chair of the Children’s Hospital Philanthropy Committee, also noted the hospital's vital role in the community, reflecting on its impact on families.
Criticism & Opposition
While the donation has been largely welcomed, some community members have raised concerns about the reliance on philanthropy for essential health services, questioning the sustainability of such funding models in the long term.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Children’s hospitals are essential to the health and future of our communities, and each one serves families with unique needs and challenges,” — Tom Golisano, Founder of Paychex
- “We are deeply grateful to Mr. Golisano for his extraordinary gift to improve the health and well-being of children in Georgia and across the country. We are honored to be among the handful of hospitals nationwide that have earned his transformative support,” — Ketul J. Patel, President and CEO of Wellstar Health System
- “This is a transformative gift that gives national attention to the amazing care delivered every day at our children’s hospital, right here in Augusta.” — Russell T. Keen, President of Augusta University
This investment not only enhances the capabilities of the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital but also signifies a commitment to improving pediatric health care on a national scale.