Golf legend Gary Player recently made a generous donation of $150,000 to the FoundCare Riviera Beach health center, a contribution from the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation that underscores their enduring commitment to enhancing community health. This donation will be commemorated by naming the pediatrics unit of the facility after Player and his foundation, as highlighted by FoundCare’s Chief Executive Officer Christopher Irizarry.
The new health center, set to open its doors on June 16, will provide a comprehensive range of medical services, including adult medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, dentistry, psychiatry, and an on-site pharmacy. FoundCare has emphasized the importance of Player’s contribution, particularly as approximately 30% of its clientele is under the age of 18, addressing an urgent need for quality pediatric care in underserved areas.
Player, reflecting on his philanthropic efforts, noted, “I get on the golf course and I’m like a lion. I’m so fierce. Yet, when I get off the golf course, I’m a crybaby, as my great hero Winston Churchill was. It just gives me such joy to be able to see.” His sentiment highlights the importance of giving back to the community, particularly as someone who understands the hurdles many face.
With this donation, Player not only reaffirms his role as a champion on the green but as a champion of love and compassion in the community. As the opening of the Riviera Beach facility approaches, the significance of such contributions to public health and well-being shines especially bright, illustrating a hopeful vision for the future of healthcare in these communities.