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Mattel, Inc. started making children happy with its creations in 1945, just a few years before the founding of UCLA Department of Pediatrics in 1950. And the two keep growing — together.
UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital was born in 1998, when the company’s charitable arm, Mattel Children’s Foundation, made a visionary $25 million contribution. At the time, it was among the largest-ever corporate cash gifts. Now, thanks to a new $50 million gift from Mattel to the hospital, the partnership and children everywhere will be healthier and stronger than ever.
Innovation Goes International
“Like UCLA, Mattel is a purpose-driven organization with a long history of giving back to communities around the world,” says Richard Dickson, Mattel’s president and chief operating officer. “An important goal for Mattel is increasing the hospital’s international reach, and this gift will maximize and increase opportunities for the healthy development of children in the U.S. and overseas, including Asia and South Africa.”
Dr. John Mazziotta, vice chancellor, Health Sciences, and CEO, UCLA Health, reports that UCLA will use the Mattel gift to fulfill mutual goals in pioneering new treatments for childhood diseases and serving more children and their families. “Mattel’s generosity helps us deliver life-changing discoveries and health care of the highest order to children every day,” he says.
From Strength to Strength
Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of UCLA Hospital System, which includes Mattel Children’s, says, “This remarkable gift from Mattel enhances our ability to deliver superior pediatric care. The leading-edge discoveries here will benefit children in Los Angeles and well beyond.”
U.S. News & World Report recognized UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital last year for excellence in all ten specialties measured in the annual “Best Children’s Hospitals” national rankings. Mattel’s new investment will make the hospital even stronger.
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Published March 2017
The Hulk elicits a grin from a pediatric patient during UCLA Mattel’s outdoor event.
