Naples, FL., March 4, 2024 – NCH is happy to share that a $5 million gift has been made by The Ahuja Foundation in support of the R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center at NCH. The generous grant comes at a pivotal time, as NCH continues its unwavering commitment to providing cutting edge heart, vascular, and stroke services.
Monte and Usha Ahuja, The Ahuja Foundation Trustees, have been part of the Naples community for nearly 20 years as well as part of the NCH Medical Diplomats Council (MDC) for nearly a decade. As experienced healthcare philanthropists who have generously supported hospital capital projects in the State of Ohio, they truly understand the importance of high-quality healthcare in Naples, where they reside, and that was a driving reason to support world class cardiac and stroke care in their own community.
“The Schulze Center will be an incredible addition to the NCH system and to Naples, and The Ahuja Foundation is grateful to be part of this transformational project that will provide crucial heart and stroke care to our community,” said Mr. Ahuja. “We look forward to continuing to engage with NCH as the project progresses and witnessing the positive impact this facility will have on healthcare in Naples.”
Monte Ahuja is the founder of Transtar Industries, a leading U.S. Company in the distribution of automotive transmission replacement parts to the aftermarket. He started the company after completion of an MBA at Cleveland State University and had previously received his Master’s in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University. Mr. Ahuja is also CEO of investment company Mura Holdings, LLC. Usha Ahuja received her Ph.D. in mathematics from The Ohio State University, and has taught at University of Maryland, Kent State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Cleveland State University.
“We are so thankful for this generous gift from The Ahuja Foundation, as well as the enthusiasm Monte and Usha have demonstrated for our new heart and stroke center,” said Scott Lutgert, Chair of the NCH Board of Trustees. “NCH has benefited tremendously from the Ahujas’ business expertise, and they have been highly valued and thoughtful advisors on this initiative.”
“This wonderful gift will help transform critical care in Naples in the years to come,” said NCH President and CEO, Paul Hiltz. “Monte and Usha Ahuja are incredible philanthropists in the Cleveland area and elsewhere, which makes their commitment to Naples and their support of the R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center exceedingly meaningful.”
This substantial investment will be added with other donations received for the Schulze Center which now totals over $135 million designated for elevated cardiovascular and stroke services. Combined, these funds will go towards construction of the new facility in addition to providing for the latest technologies and equipment, which ultimately will help in recruiting top-tier specialists in the field of cardiovascular and stroke care services to our area.
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