One Wilmington man has broken a record in his effort to help the local community.
Retired businessman and local philanthropist Anthony Fusco has pledged $5 million to help support A.I. duPont Hospital for Children’s expansion project, the largest gift ever received by the hospital.
Fusco’s pledge is specifically for the hospital’s new 5-story atrium that will serve as both the new entrance for the hospital and an entertainment venue for patients and families - complete with a stage and drop down movie screen.
Chief Executive for Nemours in the Delaware Valley Dr. Roy Proujansky adds the atrium will also feature interactive exhibits, food and gift shops, and underground parking specifically for patients and families.
“They’ll be able to drive in underneath so they won’t have to deal with the weather and come straight up to that atrium lobby," said Dr. Proujansky. "The whole orientation of the building and the atrium is patient and family centered. It was designed by patients and families.”
Fusco was born in Italy and came to Wilmington when he 2 years old. He went on to become a successful businessman and real estate developer.
Fusco has been an active philanthropist in the community ever since he retired, contributing to many other local organizations like the Salesianum School and the Delaware Art Museum.
Fusco said he made the pledge in order to have a positive impact on several generations of children.
"It's been a good life," said Fusco. "I worked hard for the money I made and now I'm giving back. It's satisfying to know that I'm leaving a legacy, something of which my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can be proud."
Proujansky believes added that Fusco and the hospital share a similar commitment to the community.
"He is a very mission focused guy and came to see the kind of things that we were doing for children and families and the benefit that we were returning to the community in different ways," said Proujansky. "That just struck a chord with him.”
The hospital’s $275 million expansion is expected to be unveiled in September of 2014.