Smigel Family
Generating JoyThe First Families Legacy Program of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles can count another couple among those who have made lasting gifts to help build the New Hospital Building. Last year, longtime donors Marty and Bruce Coffey joined First Families with a generous gift that will help complete the 317- bed, state-of-the-art building opening on Sunset Boulevard. Even as a child, Mrs. Coffey knew about Childrens Hospital, largely because her parents gave boundless energy, as well as financial assistance, to a network of local charities. “My parents were a huge inspiration to me,” she says, “and they taught me that good people would introduce me to good causes.” The Role of FriendsIt makes sense then that good friends figured into the Coffeys’ decision to support the hospital. Take, for instance, the inspiring commitment of the Coffeys’ longtime, close friends Kathy and Walt Rose. Former co-chairs of the hospital’s Living Proof Campaign, the Roses helped secure more than $556 million in funding during Phase I of the campaign. Then there’s Peggy Galbraith, one of Mrs. Coffey’s closest friends and a member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. “She is among the loveliest and brightest people I know,” says Mrs. Coffey. “Anywhere Peggy leads, I’m thrilled to follow.” And there’s Roberta G. Williams, MD, FACC, MACC, MAHA, vice president of pediatrics and academic affairs at Childrens Hospital and professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. The former Chairman of Presto Food Products, Inc., Bruce Coffey met Dr. Williams while serving with her as co-chair of the American Heart Association of Los Angeles. “You can’t know Roberta without gaining a deep admiration for her,” says Mr. Coffey. “So when she chose to take a leadership post at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, we became interested in an even greater involvement.” Mission
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