Virginia G. Piper

As Arizona's leading philanthropist, Virginia G. Piper's devotion to helping others has left a remarkable legacy. With exceptional intelligence and grace, Virginia committed herself to the challenge, reward and vocation of philanthropy. When Virginia became involved in a cause, she put her whole heart into it and inspired others to join her.

A staunch Midwesterner, Virginia was known for her vibrant personality, and her loyalty and compassion for others. Her philanthropic career began under the tutelage of her first husband, Paul V. Galvin, founder of Motorola. When Paul passed away in 1959, Paul left Virginia in charge of his foundation. She spent the next forty years as a revered philanthropist. In 1969, Virginia married Kenneth M. Piper, Vice President of Human Resources at Motorola.

Virginia began her major charitable contributions to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital in the early 1970's which continued throughout her lifetime. The Kenneth M. Piper Family Health Center which later became the Piper Outpatient Surgery Center and the Virginia G. Piper Special Care Units at both HonorHealth Osborn and Shea Medical Centers are just a few examples of Virginia's generosity and leadership. Seeing these projects completed in her lifetime gave her a great sense of joy and satisfaction. Today, the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, the state's first comprehensive cancer center, stands in testament to HonorHealth's most gracious and generous donor.

Virginia also brought her leadership and a wealth of new ideas. to a growing health care system. Drawing on the success of the annual Crusaders' Ball, a black-tie event for Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, Virginia suggested a similar event to the administrators of then Scottsdale Memorial Hospital in 1976. Her idea was to bring the community together with its physicians as both a great awareness builder and a fundraising opportunity. Completely underwritten by Virginia in 1977, this black-tie event, The Honor Ball, with first honoree being the late Kenneth M. Piper, was the first of its kind in Scottsdale. The Honor Ball continues to be a flourishing and successful event that has raised millions of dollars to benefit HonorHealth patients, services and programs.

Virginia was elected to the Scottsdale Memorial Hospital Board of Directors in the early 1980's and became the only Lifetime member designated when she retired from the board. She was also a Trustee of Scottsdale Memorial Healthcare Foundation and its first Legacy Trustee.

In 1993, Virginia was awarded the first Doctor of Philanthropy award by Scottsdale Memorial Health Foundation for her unwavering devotion and service to Scottsdale Memorial patients and families.

Virginia passed away in 1999. Earlier in the decade she established the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to continue her legacy of giving in Maricopa County. Through her Charitable Trust, Virginia continues to inspire us all and because of her, future generations will be healthier, better educated, and live in a community that values arts and culture and believes in the power of giving.