Hoblitzelle Foundation Gives $1 Million to New Parkland Hospital

DALLAS — The Hoblitzelle Foundation, one of Dallas’ long-standing philanthropic leaders, pledged $1 million to the I Stand for Parkland campaign.

Born in St. Louis during the late 19th century, Karl Hoblitzelle came to Dallas in 1903 and built a chain of vaudeville theaters. These auditoriums were soon transformed into movie houses, and the success of Hoblitzelle’s entertainment business created financial resources which he invested in the growing oil and gas, real estate, and banking industries in Texas.

Established in 1942 by Karl and his wife, Esther, The Hoblitzelle Foundation is interested in educational, social service, medical, cultural and civic organizations in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area.

“The Board of Directors of Hoblitzelle supports Parkland and its patients, staff and administration and their close relationship with UT-Southwestern Medical Center through this $1 million commitment toward the building of a new facility,” said Paul Harris, president and chief executive officer of the Hoblitzelle Foundation. “Parkland has served this community well over several decades and will continue to do so into the future.”

Parkland Foundation seeks to secure $150 million in philanthropic support needed to help fund the $1.27 billion, 862-bed hospital, adding desperately needed space in critical areas such as the emergency room, operating room, burn center and neonatal intensive care unit. Scheduled to be completed in 2014, the 2.5 million-square-foot campus is one of the largest public hospital construction projects in the country.

“A strong public hospital keeps the whole community healthier and provides a safety net for our most needy and vulnerable,” said David E. Krause, president and chief executive officer of Parkland Foundation. “When you consider the lives saved and illness prevented, the value becomes exponentially greater than the $1.27 billion earmarked for the new hospital.”