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Beginning in 1950, a group of visionary citizens and physicians (including James Dick, Dr. Sam Kaplan, Dr. Douglas Murphy, and Dr. Talmadge Thompson) founded Venice Hospital. Winter resident and businessman O. W. Casperson provided a generous gift of $10,000 to prime a community-wide fundraising campaign. These pioneers saw the need for first-class medical care in Venice, and they were willing to stake their reputations on its success. Based on their faith and that of citizens, hospital staff, and patients, Venice Hospital grew and prospered along with the community. Thus began a legacy of altruism and community spirit that continues to distinguish the communities we serve.
The heritage of those early visionaries was evident decades later when the Boards of Directors of the hospital and of its parent, The Gulf Area Medical Programs, decided to sell the institution to the Bon Secours Health System. Proceeds from this sale, approximately $85.5 million, were used to establish The Venice Foundation. In 2003 the name was changed to Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice to reflect the communities it serves, from Osprey to Boca Grande. This organization is guided by the same motives that led to the founding of Venice Hospital in 1951 -- a desire to serve our community. |
