Autonation Makes Million Dollar Donation To Memorial Cancer Institute

AutoNation Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's largest and most admired automotive retailer, has made a $1 million donation to the Memorial Cancer Institute’s (MCI) “Growing Stronger Together” capital campaign. The gift will name the first-floor lobby for the Fort Lauderdale-based company at a freestanding, comprehensive cancer center that will be built on the campus of Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines.

The contribution is a leading gift for MCI, one of only five facilities in Florida designated a “Cancer Center of Excellence” by the state legislature. It’s new home, which is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2023, will include more than 120,000 sq. ft. of outpatient treatment and support services for patients and families.

“AutoNation’s gift is a significant lead gift that will impact the entire South Florida cancer community,” said Babette Kosar, director of development for the Memorial Cancer Institute and Memorial Foundation. “Through their DRVPNK initiative, supporting research to find a cure for cancer is part of everything they do, from their license plate frames to their logo and the commitment of their 21,000 associates. We look forward to making a difference in the lives of those battling this deadly disease and appreciate their generous donation as we grow stronger together.”

The “Growing Stronger Together” campaign, overseen by the nonprofit Memorial Foundation, is fundraising for four areas that will impact the growth and development of the MCI program: infrastructure, research, education, and oncology support services.

“We are incredibly proud to be on the ground floor of a new state-of the-art cancer institute,” said Marc Cannon, AutoNation executive vice president and chief customer experience officer. “Through our DRVPNK mission, AutoNation has been able to make a considerable impact in the fight against cancer. And now, the whole community will benefit from having a world-class facility right here in Broward County!”

Memorial Healthcare System is expecting to begin construction of the new cancer center this month. Once completed, the four-story structure will house radiation oncology, a breast center, hematology-oncology clinic, the Moffitt Malignant Hematology and Cellular Therapy Clinic, and an infusion clinic. It will also feature an image recovery area, conference center, physician offices, private suites, a rooftop garden, and meditation room. The building was designed to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers and incorporates input received from current and former patients, physicians, and MCI staff.

Memorial Cancer Institute is the 5th largest cancer center in Florida, treating nearly 5,200 new patients last year.