Detroiters invest in the health of their community through generous gift

Mary Zatina and Kevin Prihod are longtime neighbors of Henry Ford Hospital. For over 30 years, the pair have lived in the historic Boston Edison neighborhood, two miles away from the flagship hospital they consider their “first response hospital.” As longtime Detroiters, they look forward to the investment into the New Center area. Even more so, Kevin and Mary appreciate the reliability of excellent care close to home.

“As we see our neighbors age and as we age, it’s really important that we have a first-class place to go,” shared Mary. “If a neighbor had an emergency, they’re going to Henry Ford to get any care that they need right in our backyard.”

Like the neighborhood they call home, Henry Ford Hospital has over a century of history in Detroit – an anchor among the region’s highs and lows. It is this foundation in the community, combined with an emergency medical situation requiring use of the hospital’s Emergency Department last year, that inspired the couple’s decision to donate $50,000 toward Destination: Grand.

Of the motivation behind the gift, Kevin said, “It’s important to me to give to an organization where I can say with absolute pride. They do a great thing.”

Mary, who serves on the Henry Ford Hospital Board of Trustees and also works as the general manager for another nonprofit, WDET 101.9FM, emphasized the importance of philanthropy to nonprofit organizations.

“We’d be nothing if people didn’t step up to invest in something that they use and care about,” she said. “If we’re not as individuals investing in what we believe in, then shame on us.”

Through their remarkable gift, Mary and Kevin are advancing the momentum of the collaborative philanthropic effort paving the way for the next century of health innovation for all the communities Henry Ford Health serves and beyond.

“We’re at a point in our life where we’re finally able to give a little more substantially,” Kevin said. “When you’re young you have great, noble ideas, but not necessarily the resources to back them up. Now we do.”

Added Mary, “Whatever someone can afford has this incredible power to save lives and do good right in our community.”