Nationwide Insurance Foundation donates $10M to Nationwide Children's Hospital

Nationwide Children's Hospital today announced that it has received a $10 million gift from the Nationwide Insurance Foundation. The gift will establish the Nationwide Pediatric Innovation Fund at Nationwide Children's Hospital, supporting research and innovative projects advancing the science and practice of pediatric health care. The gift supports the strategic plan of Nationwide Children's Hospital, which places a priority on innovative clinical and translational research.

"We are honored by the ongoing support we receive from Nationwide and the Nationwide Insurance Foundation and commend their dedication to protecting the health and potential of all children," said Dr. Steve Allen, CEO, Nationwide Children's Hospital. "This latest commitment is especially significant as it takes our decades-long relationship with Nationwide into an exciting new era. This fund will be designated to Nationwide Children's most promising clinical and research discoveries. It will speed the advancement of cures under development that will help children everywhere."

The fund investments would be directed long term to both clinical and research program development and recruitment in areas of greatest priority. As one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing pediatric academic medical centers, Nationwide Children's clinical and research activities have broad-ranging impact. Examples of research currently underway include gene therapy to treat muscular dystrophy, interventions to improve outcomes for extremely premature newborns and re-engineering a child's heart vessels from his or her own cells. Each year presents new discoveries and opportunities for funding.

"Nationwide Children's Hospital remains one of the cornerstone beneficiaries of Nationwide's philanthropic efforts," said Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Steve Rasmussen. "Since 2006, Nationwide and the Nationwide Insurance Foundation have delivered nearly $70 million in aggregate gifts and commitments to the hospital. Our support has played a significant role in Nationwide Children's Hospital becoming a destination not only for patients from around the world, but also a destination for some of the most renowned physicians and scientists in the field of pediatric care."

Nationwide's ongoing support of Nationwide Children's Hospital includes a 10-year, $50 million transformational commitment from Nationwide Insurance Foundation that began in 2006. That gift has been directed to support many clinical and research priorities including cardiology, neonatology and injury prevention. The Nationwide Insurance Foundation has made a significant impact on Nationwide Children's Hospital through its funding of several endowed chairs, enabling the hospital to recruit and retain world-renowned talent. It has also supported the hospital's main campus expansion of world-class facilities that include a third dedicated research building and a new 12-story hospital tower where families are being engaged at a new level, receiving culturally sensitive care, information and support during their child's stay at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Nationwide Children's Hospital has also benefited from Nationwide Insurance's sports marketing sponsorships. Combined efforts through the Memorial Tournament, Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, Legend's Luncheon, Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and the Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 NASCAR race at MidOhio have helped raise more than $3 million annually for the hospital.

"This gift underscores the special and enduring strength of our commitment to Nationwide Children's Hospital," said Nationwide Insurance Foundation President Chad Jester. "This expands our philanthropic commitment to the hospital in a new, very impactful manner—with the opportunity to accelerate the development of life-saving cures and discoveries in pediatric medicine. Together, we're seeking additional ways to support Nationwide Children's Hospital as a global leader in research that promotes the health and wellness of children across the country and around the world."

Source: The Nationwide Insurance Foundation