Memphis, Tennessee – Grizzlies forward Mike Miller and his wife Jennifer today announced a $1 million donation to establish an endowment fund in their names to provide support for Sanford Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Mitchell, South Dakota. In honor of the Millers’ contribution, the hospital has named its pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) the Mike and Jennifer Miller Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
“Jennifer and I are blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to the Sanford Children’s Hospital during its groundbreaking phase,” said Miller. “The gift not only reflects a continuing commitment to my home state of South Dakota, but also acts as a reminder to Jen and myself for our enormous good fortune in having two happy and healthy sons. Hopefully in this small way we can spread our blessings to others in need.”
Sanford Health president and CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft added, “Everybody in South Dakota knows Mike as a basketball player. Mike and Jen will long be remembered for their charity and philanthropy. Mike’s basketball life is being used for much more than what people see… he and Jen are going to directly impact the lives of children and families. Mike and his family are a blessing to our region and its people.”
Sanford Health officially broke ground on a new Sanford Children’s Hospital building today during a ceremony in Sioux Falls. With an anticipated completion of 2009, this new building will provide inpatient, outpatient and clinic services for pediatric patients and their families in a family-centered environment designed to meet the unique healing needs of children. Miller joins several other donors who have the desire to help children when they are most vulnerable. Mr. Denny Sanford began the dream of a new children’s hospital building with his donation of $16 million in 2004.