BRIGHT INDUSTRIES DONATES $7.5 MILLION TO CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOR EXPANSION OF CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER PLANO — The gift will help increase pediatric health care options for families in Collin and Denton Counties.

More than two decades ago, former Dallas Cowboys owner H.R. “Bum” Bright made his first donation to Children’s Health, marking the family’s name on a specialty building across from Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

And soon, the new emergency department currently under construction at Children’s Medical Center Plano will bear the Bright name, following a generous $7.5 million donation to Children’s Health from Bum’s children and grandchildren.

The donation from Bright Industries, which was announced in January 2022, is the largest philanthropic gift in the Plano hospital’s history and one of the largest donations made in Collin County.

“Children’s Health is, and has been, a tremendous contributor to the North Texas community for more years than I can remember,” Chris Bright said. “Their devotion to serving and protecting our youngest and most vulnerable has inspired the Bright family’s admiration for most of our lives. My dad, Bum Bright, was honored to serve on their board for many years, and the Bright family is equally honored to be able to participate in helping Children’s Health in their continued growth and service to the Collin County area.”

Groundbreaking for the Children’s Medical Center Plano campus expansion took place in October 2021. The new emergency department will be relocated to provide increased space and state-of-the-art equipment and resources critical to serve the growing pediatric population in this region. It will also include dedicated behavioral health treatment rooms.

“As a nonprofit hospital system for kids, philanthropic support is critical to ensure we’re ready to meet the wide-ranging needs of our community’s growing pediatric population,” said Brent Christopher, president of Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “The generosity of Bright Industries, building upon the long legacy of the family’s support to Children’s Health, will have a big impact as we make life better for kids now and for decades ahead.”

When Clay Bright passed away from cancer in 2020, the Bright family wanted to honor his legacy of generosity with their gift to Children’s Health. And as the Bright family has moved north, they wanted to expand their partnership with Children’s Health to the north as well, supporting others in the nearby Castle Hills community they helped develop.

“Through their years of giving across many generations, the Bright family has been alongside us supporting the needs of patients and families,” said Chris Durovich, president and CEO of Children’s Health. “We are extremely grateful for their generous gift to our Plano campus expansion and for their continuing commitment to helping us deliver outstanding pediatric care in North Texas.”

Our sincere condolences and sympathy are with the Bright family on the recent passing of Stuart Bright. For decades, you have supported us, and your Children’s Health family is here for you during this time.