Obici Healthcare Foundation Marks 20 Years
The Suffolk-based foundation celebrated its two-decade anniversary with past and present leaders, staff, partners and supporters.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Obici Healthcare Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 20 at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts. The foundation, established in 2006, has awarded more than $100 million in grants since its founding.
Why it matters
The anniversary highlights two decades of grantmaking that has supported health efforts across Suffolk and surrounding communities. The foundation's origins trace to a hospital funded by Amedeo Obici in memory of his wife, Louise.
The Obici Healthcare Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants since 2006, a figure reported by the foundation at its 20th anniversary. The source does not break down grant totals by year, program or recipient.
The players
Obici Healthcare Foundation
A Suffolk, Virginia-based philanthropic foundation established in 2006 to support health-related grantmaking across southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
Amedeo Obici
The founder who funded Louise Obici Memorial Hospital in memory of his wife, Louise, whose legacy led to the creation of the foundation.
Sentara Healthcare
A regional health system that acquired Louise Obici Memorial Hospital before the foundation was established.
The details
Attendees at the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts heard remarks from George Y. Birdsong, Mary C. Haddad and former board chairs, and received commemorative challenge coins. The foundation serves Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry and Sussex counties and Gates County, North Carolina.
Timeline
- 1951: Louise Obici Memorial Hospital opened.
- 2006: The Obici Healthcare Foundation was established after the hospital was sold to Sentara Healthcare.
- October 20: The foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in Suffolk.
Philanthropy Lineage
The foundation traces its origins to Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1951 under Amedeo Obici's funding before its 2006 sale to Sentara Healthcare. Its continued grantmaking reflects a model in which the proceeds of a hospital sale are redirected into community health funding.
Residents in Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry and Sussex counties and Gates County, North Carolina are served by the foundation's grantmaking. The source does not specify which grant programs are currently open to new applicants.
The takeaway
Two decades of sustained grantmaking show how a single family's legacy gift can become a lasting regional resource. Community members interested in the foundation's work can follow its anniversary commitments as it works toward doubling its impact.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage tied to local foundations and community giving in Suffolk.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Suffolk News-Herald.
