Blank Family Donates $7 Million to National Jewish Health for Children in Need

Family of Longtime Donor Establishes Molly Blank Pediatric Care Fund

National Jewish Health today announced the creation of the Molly Blank Pediatric Care Fund, which will support pediatric charity care at the institution thanks to a $7 million gift from the Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Approximately one-third of pediatric patients at National Jewish Health receive charity care.

“We are grateful to the Blank family for this incredible gift and long-standing philanthropy to National Jewish Health,” said Michael Salem, MD, president and CEO of National Jewish Health. “Children who come here for care often have life-threatening allergic and respiratory conditions, including eczema, food allergies and asthma. Families who are uninsured or underinsured suffer a tremendous burden when they worry about how to pay for treatment. The Blank family’s investment helps to remove that burden and allows our patients and families to focus on healing.”

An Enduring Legacy of Generosity
A former patient of National Jewish Health, Molly Blank helped countless children in need through her more than 25 years of generosity to pediatric charity care at the institution. In 1999, she also provided the lead gift of $1 million to build the Molly Blank Conference Center on the campus.

After her death in 2015, her sons, Arthur and Michael, established the Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to continue her legacy and support the causes she valued most.

“Throughout our entire lives, our mother instilled in us the value of giving back,” stated Arthur Blank, Chairman of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “She embodied what it meant to courageously give of oneself, and through the Molly Blank Fund, we are able to pass on our mother’s deep commitment to children and further support the exceptional work and impact of National Jewish Health.”

Molly Blank inspired many people with her motto for life, “You pass through once — make it count.” She was a self-made businesswoman and dedicated philanthropist who gave to numerous causes throughout her life. She was also a sculptor and avid folk dancer who enjoyed teaching classes to senior citizens.
 
Since its establishment in 1899 as a free hospital for indigent tuberculosis patients, National Jewish Health has provided care to all patients, insured or not, on a first-come, first-served basis. “Our commitment to providing medical care for those less fortunate would not be possible without the support of the Blank family and other generous individuals, foundations and businesses,” said Dr. Salem

Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation was established after Mrs. Blank’s 2015 death at age 99, to continue the pursuits of causes and organizations in which she believed. The focus of the grant making is on programs that address the interests Molly supported in her lifetime, including at-risk youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes emphasizing social justice and interfaith coalitions.