Bancroft Fund gives $1.5 million to create Croft Medical Surgical Unit

Published on Monday, November 11, 2024

By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu

The Joseph C. Bancroft Charitable and Educational Fund is continuing its commitment to Children’s of Mississippi by donating $1.5 million toward renovation of the Blair E. Batson Tower.

The gift will enable the hospital to transform the fourth floor, which will be named the Croft Medical Surgical Unit and serve patients with infectious diseases and respiratory concerns.

“We are honored to be able to support the important work being done to enhance the facilities at our state’s only children’s hospital and to make a positive impact in the community,” said Tom Abdalla, one of the directors of the McComb-based nonprofit.

Children’s of Mississippi, the pediatric arm of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, includes the Batson Tower and Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, which make up the state’s only children’s hospital.

“The Bancroft Fund, which gave $1 million in 2016 to create the Bob Bird Waiting Area inside the Sanderson Tower, has been a supporter of pediatric care at UMMC for decades,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics.

“Children’s of Mississippi has been able to enhance the care provided to the state’s children because of the continued support of the Bancroft Fund,” Taylor said. “Their gifts to Children’s of Mississippi have been a beacon of hope for our patients, families and providers.”

Not only has the Bancroft Fund added comfort for Children’s of Mississippi patients, but also life-saving care. Its gifts include $2.5 million donated in 2009 to renovate the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, doubling the unit’s capacity.

“Joseph C. Bancroft Charitable and Educational Fund’s ongoing commitment to pediatric health care in Mississippi is vital to our patients, their families and our world-class specialists,” said Meredith Aldridge, executive director of development. “It is through the support of our long-term partners and philanthropic leaders like the Joseph C. Bancroft Charitable and Educational Fund, that Children’s of Mississippi has state-of-the-art facilities.”

The Bancroft Charitable and Educational Fund was formed in 1996 upon the death of Joseph C. Bancroft, founder of Croft, LLC, a manufacturer of vinyl and aluminum windows and doors. The nonprofit supports charitable and educational programs by offering financial support, leadership and guidance to qualifying organizations in Mississippi. As part of its commitment to educational programs, the Bancroft Charitable and Educational Fund donated $60 million to establish the Croft Institute for International Studies at the University of Mississippi.

Renovation of the Batson Tower will bring the seven-story wing up to the standards of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, which opened in 2020. The Batson Tower’s first five floors opened in 1997, and sixth and seventh floors were added in 2004.

“It’s now time for the Blair E. Batson Tower to get an update so more patients can receive world-class care in state-of-the-art facilities,” Taylor said.

To learn about ways to give, contact Suzanne Crell, director of development - hospitals, at (601) 815-8778 or screll@umc.edu.