For the 8th year, a convoy of 168 Porsches and exotic cars delivered holiday cheer to patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital before gathering to raise over $420,000 for its planned outpatient pediatric surgery center.
Founded by John and Valerie Petracco on behalf of the Everglades Region of the Porsche Club of America, the event included participation from the Gulf Harbour Porsche Owners Group, Porsche Fort Myers, and Terra Nostra Italian Ristorante, with festive support from the Iona McGregor Fire District and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Other sponsors included Carvel, UBS Financial Services, Terra Nostra Italian Ristorante, Florida Weekly and Gendron Funeral Home, whose generosity helped make the event a resounding success.
“What could be better than seeing hundreds of supporters come together to spread holiday cheer and deliver gifts to the children at Golisano?” said John Petracco. “It’s important to us to support them and build their resources, so they can continue to expand and operate the facilities that will assist children in need in Southwest Florida.”
The highlight of the parade was Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck, leading the procession of cars, and delivering toys to patients. Adding to the festive spirit, SWAT team members and firefighters from Iona McGregor Fire District dressed as Santa’s elves and rappelled down the hospital walls, tapping on windows to share smiles and holiday joy.
“This event showcases the incredible generosity of our community,” said Dr. Emad Salman, chief physician executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Seeing the joy it brings to our patients, while advancing vital projects like the pediatric surgery center, makes this tradition truly special.”
The Golisano Children’s Hospital pediatric surgery center will include four operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms, and spaces for pre- and post-operative care. This $40 million, 40,000-square-foot center will enable 80% of pediatric surgeries to be performed on an outpatient basis, improving access and reducing wait times for specialized care. Surgical procedures will range from tonsillectomies and fractures to laparoscopic and orthopedic surgeries. Philanthropic contributions will fund $15-20 million of the center’s advanced medical equipment and furnishings.
Since its inception in 2016, the Porsche & Friends Parade has raised more than $1.4 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital, demonstrating the transformative power of community giving.
To support the development of the new pediatric surgery center, please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/SurgeryCenter.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Golisano Children’s Hospital, a nationally recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, with over 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network hospital, an Asthma Friendly Hospital and a certified center for children with Autism, Golisano offers over thirty specialty pediatric services in various locations across SWFL. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which includes 135-beds and comprehensive neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
