Cedars-Sinai has one of the busiest emergency departments in the nation, fielding visits from over 125,000 patients each year. Equipping the department to meet the rising tide of need is a herculean task—one made easier by significant investment from visionary philanthropists committed to strengthening healthcare for our entire community.

A combined $12 million donation from the Douglas Foundation and the Wilbur May Foundation is fueling the advancement of Cedars-Sinai’s ongoing Emergency Department expansion project. The two nonprofit family foundations—founded by the late actor Kirk Douglas and his late wife, Anne, and by descendants of the late retail magnate David May, respectively—joined forces to make the gift, which will establish the Douglas Foundation and Wilbur May Foundation Lounge, located at the Emergency Department entrance.

"The Douglas Foundation and the Wilbur May Foundation have become indispensable allies and advocates as more people continue to rely on the Emergency Department for lifesaving care," said Peter Slavin, MD, Cedars-Sinai’s president and CEO. "We are deeply appreciative of their wonderful collaboration."

Russell and Karen Goldsmith are also long-time partners in supporting Cedars-Sinai’s vital community mission. This year, they made a generous $2 million gift to the Emergency Department Capital Fund. Their contribution, which will name a computed tomography (CT) suite in the renovated Emergency Department, reflects their dedication to sustaining Cedars-Sinai as a crucial resource capable of serving as many Angelenos as possible.

"We are pleased to support the Emergency Department’s growth and its investment in state-of-the-art technology, and help expand its reach," Russell said. "Cedars-Sinai protects the wellbeing of so many people in Southern California, and its Emergency Department is an indispensable part of that work."

The medical center also made inroads in ensuring quality emergency care for geriatric populations with a remarkable $20 million gift from Rena and Barry Plost to name the Barry and Rena Plost Senior Emergency Center. Their philanthropy is working to ensure older adults receive critical medical assistance.