Kelley Morris
Healthcare Philanthropy
When Kelley Morris became President and CEO of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations earlier this year, she was ready to unleash her two decades of fundraising experience to help both Foundations realize their full potential.
“The difference between a good institution and a great institution is philanthropy,” Morris says. “It’s all about coming together as a community for a shared purpose — to provide the best healthcare to those we serve.”
Previously Vice President of Individual Giving at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, she is keenly aware that philanthropic support provides the margin of excellence that goes beyond basic services to offer truly cutting-edge care, as well as innovation, research, and training the next generation of the health care workforce.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and its Foundation have cared for the community since 1994. The hospital’s main location is in Hollywood with locations scattered throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
The Memorial Healthcare System has been a Broward hallmark since 1953. The Memorial Foundation focuses on philanthropic support for the five adult hospitals in the healthcare system. “This is the culmination of my collective experience in both adult and children’s health.
This is my opportunity to really make a difference. It’s the best of both worlds,” Morris, originally from Texas, explains.
“Philanthropy is critically important in the children’s hospital, where insurance doesn’t cover necessary and enriching programs created to ease the experience for a child. Philanthropy supports animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, gaming therapy, and our Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, where kids can just play and be kids,” Morris says.
The 20th annual Fairy Tale Ball, presented by the Diamond Angels of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” Morris adds. “One thing I know about South Florida is that the people here care about their community and want to make a difference. I feel like I am home.”
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, jdch.com; Memorial Foundation, mhs.net; Hollywood, 954-265-5324
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