Wallace Burt, 86, the last surviving Founding Board Member of the original Memorial Hospital, looks at the newly placed plaque on the Founder’s Fountain. His family made a major gift to the hospital that helped build the fountain, which promotes healing and a tranquil setting for both patients and guests.

On Monday, Nov. 22, the Florida Hospital Memorial Foundation held a dedication ceremony for the Burt family who recently made a major gift towards the construction of a water feature designed to promote healing on the hospital property in Daytona Beach.

Wallace Burt, 86, the last surviving founding board member of the hospital, along with his wife, Alice, were celebrated for their continued support and generosity to Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center.

The two originally came to the area in 1960 from Iowa to start an insurance business in the Ormond and Daytona Beach community. Wallace said he handpicked Ormond Beach and knew this was the area he wanted to live in and a place he and his family would enjoy. He also knew he wanted to get involved with the community and specifically, to the hospital, because of its non-profit status. Wallace was present for the opening of the original hospital, Memorial Hospital, in 1967 and went on to become President of the hospital from 1971-1975.

The Burt family, including children, grandchildren and in-laws, continue to live in and support the community, and were present to support the Burt’s during the dedication.

“The Burt’s have demonstrated a true dedication to serving this community and we are grateful for their continued involvement with our organization,” said Florida Hospital Memorial Foundation Director Jim Weite. “With their generosity, we were able to create a peaceful environment for not only our patients, but our staff and guests to enjoy.”

The family was honored by the hospital’s Foundation and Senior Leadership team by placing a permanent plaque on the north end of the water feature, for patients, visitors, guests and staff to see for decades to come. The fountain, now called the Founder’s Fountain, honors the original group of men who were instrumental in the opening of the original hospital.