Wolfson Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Center now named Porter Family Children’s Trauma Center

To recognize the generosity of Subaru of Jacksonville owners Phil and Roxanne Porter, Wolfson Children’s Hospital hosted a dedication ceremony Friday to officially name the region’s only state-designated Pediatric Trauma Center location in their honor.

The Porter Family Children’s Trauma Center provides care for the region’s most critically ill and injured children. The Porter family and Subaru of Jacksonville began supporting the Pediatric Trauma program in 2016 with a five-year commitment that also included child passenger safety initiatives through THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. In addition to establishing the “Subaru of Jacksonville Porter Family Trauma Services Endowment,” the first-ever Trauma endowment at Wolfson Children’s, they continue to host monthly car seat checks for the community at Subaru of Jacksonville.

Including matching funds from Baptist Health, the Porters and Subaru of Jacksonville have given nearly $1 million to Wolfson Children’s Hospital through their annual Share the Love campaign and an additional personal investment by the family. In spring of 2021, they extended their support with an additional three-year pledge of $300,000, bringing their total impact to $1.25 million.

“When we partnered with Wolfson Children’s Hospital six years ago, we never imagined that starting a Trauma endowment would lead us to this moment. Our family could not be more proud to be part of something that is helping the children of Jacksonville in their most vulnerable times. We are excited to continue supporting Wolfson Children’s Hospital in the years to come,” said Phil Porter.

The partnership has expanded to include supporting the Child Life program through their presenting sponsorship of the annual Christmas in July Toy and Donation Drive. Subaru of Jacksonville will also generously support two of Wolfson Children’s signature fundraisers, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge and Smoking Clays for Kids, which raise critical funding for life-saving equipment and technology.

“Because of the generosity of the Porter family and Subaru of Jacksonville, we are able to provide life-saving services and treatment to the most vulnerable children from throughout the region,” said Michael D. Aubin, FACHE, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital and interim chief philanthropy officer for the Baptist Health Foundation. “Their support ensures children and families get the best care when they need it most, while also providing resources for the community to prevent potentially devastating injuries through car seat checks.”

In addition to supporting Trauma services and child passenger safety, Subaru of Jacksonville has also sponsored the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Auxiliary’s “Wolfie Wagon,” providing children and families in the hospital an opportunity to choose treats, T-shirts, balloons and other goodies at no cost.