Virgil Elings’ Makes Generous Gift to Community of Santa Barbara
The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Building Named in Honor of Well-Known Philanthropist
Sansum Clinic Trustee Eddie Rosenblatt with Dr. Virgil Elings in the new Elings Oncology Building (under construction).
Santa Barbara, CA – Virgil Elings, PhD provided the Central Coast region with a $4 million gift for the world-class regional Cancer Center building which opened in September 2017 at 540 W. Pueblo Street.
The institution known as the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, with operations in Santa Barbara and Solvang, has been officially be re-named Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in honor of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree’s leadership role and her generous support of the Cancer Center totaling $10.73 million. The Elings Oncology Building at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center will bring the oncology departments at 300, 317 and 540 W. Pueblo Street together under one roof to better coordinate care, facilitate even better outcomes, provide room for the latest treatment technologies, and offer the space needed to care for the increasing number of cancer patients expected as baby boomers age.
"Patients in our community are so fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Virgil’s generosity," said Kurt N. Ransohoff, MD, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Sansum Clinic. "We are building the finest regional Cancer Center in the nation and funding from philanthropists like Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree and Virgil Elings helps to ensure we have the resources to deliver on our mission of providing superior, personalized care to all members of our community."
"It’s really an honor to provide a lasting legacy of exceptional medical care to patients in our community," said Dr. Elings. "I’m excited to be a part of this great project."
The Campaign for the Cancer Center launched publicly on August 19, 2016 with an initial goal of $38 million toward the $53 million cost of a new, state-of-the-art home for the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. As of December 2016, the campaign had received gifts and pledges from 270 donors worth more than $38.5 million.
The multidisciplinary Ridley-Tree Cancer Center enhances the lives of those diagnosed with cancer by unifying the newest technology, multiple medical departments and wellness programs into one facility, in line with the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) recommended best practices. Located within two blocks of Sansum Clinic and Cottage Hospital in the heart of Santa Barbara’s medical village, the 54,780 square foot Elings Oncology Building is a model of coordinated cancer treatment, achieving both scientifically comprehensive and intensely personal care.
We invite the community to contribute to this once-in-a-generation life-saving opportunity. Naming opportunities range from $2,500 to $2 million and are available for as little as $43.00 per month. To learn more, contact Dru A. Hartley at (805)681-7726 or dhartley@sansumclinic.org, or Rob Dunton at (805) 898-3620 or rdunton@cfsb.org.
Dr. Elings has made many gifts of support for nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara, including the lead gift for Elings Park. His philanthropic support of healthcare in our community includes the Elings Pavilion and Elings Eye Center at the Sansum Clinic Medical and Surgical Center on Foothill Road.
The Ridely-Tree Cancer Center is dedicated to delivering exceptional cancer care to everyone in Santa Barbara County regardless of means. To keep the Central Coast on the vanguard of modern cancer care, the Center invests in cutting-edge medical equipment, the recruitment of highly trained medical personnel, active participation in clinical research, the integration of oncology services, and the thoughtful introduction of promising new methods of treatment.
Contact: Jill R. Fonte
jfonte@sansumclinic.org
(805) 681-1879