Hoag Foundation Donates $6 Million to Cancer Center

George Hoag II stepped down from his post as board chairman of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian on Wednesday--and at the same time the foundation he helped found gave $6 million for a cancer center.

The gift from the Hoag Foundation is the largest in a $15-million fund-raising effort to build what hospital officials say will be among the best-equipped centers in the nation and the largest in Orange County.

Although Hoag abstained from voting for the gift, he acknowledged backing it. “I had a pretty sure thing going. My daughter is on the (foundation) board, too.”

More than $10 million has already been raised for the center, which officials hope to open by 1988. The Newport Beach City Council approved the project Monday despite protests of neighbors about losing part of their ocean view to a three-story building.

The 50,000-square-foot building planned for a site on the bluffs near the hospital still requires approval from the California Coastal Commission.

It would include research facilities, community education programs and other services. All outpatient services would be centralized under its roof, officials said.

Hospital officials said the new center will be named after Hoag and his wife, Patricia, who live in Newport Beach. Hospital administrators also plan to honor Hoag at a dinner Wednesday, said spokeswoman Rebecca Helm.

“I’ve had a wonderful experience here,” Hoag, 69, said. “I’ve seen (the hospital) grow” from a budget of $400,000 to $131 million last year, and from 75 beds in 1952 to 471 beds today. Hoag has served on the board since 1950.

Guy K. Claire was named the hospital’s new chairman of the board. Claire, a retired attorney and Corona del Mar resident, has served on the board of directors since 1973.

The Hoag Foundation helped finance the hospital when it opened, and it has been the hospital’s main benefactor.