Donor Stories

When Sidney and Lois Eskenazi contributed $40 million toward construction of a new public hospital in Marion County in June 2011, it marked one of the greatest philanthropic gifts ever given to the people of Central Indiana, and one of the largest gifts ever made to a public hospital in the United States.

Their remarkable contribution embodies the Hoosier spirit and the Eskenazis’ spirit of philanthropy. Since their gift, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi have met and engaged with Eskenazi Health employees and physicians, toured the new facilities, shared remarks at important events and continued to support the Eskenazi Health Foundation’s philanthropic efforts.

“We are pleased to offer this gift for Eskenazi Health, for the people of Indianapolis and Central Indiana, and we are deeply touched by their decision to name the hospital and health system in our honor,” Sidney said in 2011.

In recognition of their philanthropic support throughout the community, Sidney and Lois Eskenazi received a Sagamore of the Wabash from former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Since the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Eskenazi Health campus opened in December 2013, the name Eskenazi has become synonymous with leadership in health care, environmental design, public art and architecture. First and foremost, though, the name Eskenazi is synonymous with generosity.

Sidney and Lois live in the Indianapolis area. Sidney grew up in Indianapolis and both he and Lois are Indiana University graduates. He established a successful real estate development company, Sandor Development Company, in 1963, and he has built it into one of the nation’s leading companies, with more than 105 properties under management in 20 states.

“We are deeply moved by Eskenazi Health’s broad and important mission, and its ability to have an impact on the lives of so many people throughout our community,” Sidney explained. He and Lois have a long history of philanthropic support in the Central Indiana community, including various Indiana University programs.

“This hospital and health system affect so many lives in such a positive way, especially those of our community’s most vulnerable populations. We feel it has no equal and offers us the greatest opportunity to contribute to the entire community,” Lois said. “In the process of learning everything we can about this institution, we have fallen in love with it and are tremendously excited to support its mission with this gift.”