A Cause Close to the Heart
While attending his 50th class reunion at UW–Madison in 2000, George Fait first learned of a philanthropic opportunity related to the American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH). With seven grandsons and a history of generously supporting the UW, pediatric medicine was close to George’s heart. “Having lived in Madison and been a supporter of the UW for more than 60 years, my family and I made a unanimous decision to support the American Family Children’s Hospital,” he shared. “Being able to contribute to this world-class children’s hospital is both an honor and a privilege. The new facility will be a beneficial legacy to all the children and families who pass through its doors.”
Before his passing in March 2013, George involved his entire family, including his three children, Leslie Farmer, Joel Fait, and Diane Zillner, and their spouses, in a $3 million transformational gift to create the George Fait Family Pediatric Specialty Clinics at AFCH. The clinics include 41 exam rooms, radiology labs, special procedure rooms, teaching and education spaces, and rehabilitation facilities. The more the Fait family became involved in the planning, the more they were drawn to the project as a whole. “We wish no child would ever have to use the clinic but seeing how warm and inviting it is will make any child’s hospitalization the best possible experience,” said Leslie. “We are really excited and happy to be a part of it.”
As trustee of the George A. Fait Trust and a long-time family friend, Jay Lengfeld has assisted George and his family with an additional $2.6 million gift supporting research and services at AFCH and the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center. “George worked very hard to earn his wealth and was generous in sharing it to help improve other people’s lives,” remarks Lengfeld. The Faits’ continued support is also helping to improve clinical programs, enhance services, and enable leaders to respond to the hospital’s greatest needs. Because of their generosity, these facilities will ensure world-class health care for generations to come, serving children with acute issues such as cancer and heart ailments. “My brother, sister, and I want to fulfill our father’s wishes to make a significant contribution to benefit the entire community,” shares Diane. “We wanted it to be something that would live on and really help people.”
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