They began their project by inviting Arnold and Winnie Palmer, known for their love of children, to tour to children's wing at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Arnold Palmer agreed to share his name with the new children's hospital - with the challenge that everyone involved strive to make it the best. The Palmers also began their significant financial support, however this was only the beginning of their involvement.
On September 10, 1989, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women opened, and in 16 years it has earned a reputation as one of the leading hospitals of its kind in the Southeast and the nation. It is a special place, offering an uncommonly personal environment that nurtures the mind, body and spirit as an integral part of the healing process.
Throughout the years, the Palmers created a legacy - not only in their personal giving but also in continued advocacy, championing the hospital and its mission as well as giving their time and energies. Arnold and Winnie Palmer spoke at community events and named Arnold Palmer Hospital as the principal charitable beneficiary of the Bay Hill Invitational presented by MasterCard. The Bay Hill Club also supports the hospital by hosting the yearly fundraiser known as Champions for Children, held in October.
Winnie Palmer also volunteered as honorary chairman of Kids Are the Responsibility of Everyone (K.A.R.E.), led tours, established an annual Halloween parade for the young patients, and served on the Foundation's board of directors until her death in 1999. In recent years Arnold Palmer has created the National Advisory Council, comprised of friends, family, and business acquaintances, to promote and support Arnold Palmer Hospital.
The Palmer legacy invites others in to love the children, volunteer alongside staff, give generously, and remain as dedicated to the mission as those that first held its vision. The dream of bringing world-class healthcare to our community for babies, children and women, born just twenty years ago, is thriving as others, just as passionate and committed, continue the legacy of excellence, caring and selfless giving that Arnold and Winnie Palmer have so generously shared with the community.
The 2006 Bay Hill Invitational presented by MasterCard is scheduled for the week of March 13-19, featuring defending champion Kenny Perry and many others from among the world's highest-ranking golfers. For further information, log on to the tournament web site, www.bayhillinvitational.com, or call the Bay Hill ticket office at 407-876-7774, toll free at 1-866-764-4843. Tournament proceeds benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital