March 3, 2026

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation has received a gift from Susan and Zuheir Sofia to create a $1 million endowed fund supporting physical rehabilitation services at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

The newly created endowment will provide permanent funding through the fund’s annual distribution to advance rehabilitation programs that help patients regain strength, mobility and independence following injury, illness or surgery. Endowed funds generate long-term support, ensuring that resources remain available for patient care in perpetuity.

“We believe strong healthcare systems are essential to thriving communities,” said the Sofias in a joint statement. “Supporting rehabilitation services ensures that patients not only receive excellent medical care, but also the therapy and support they need to return to their daily lives with confidence.”

The Sofias’ decision to support physical rehabilitation is deeply personal. Their family has experienced care at Sarasota Memorial and benefited from the expertise and compassion of the rehabilitation team, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. Their gift reflects gratitude for that care and a desire to ensure the same level of excellence remains available to others.

Creating an endowed fund aligned with the couple’s longstanding philosophy of thoughtful stewardship and long-term impact. SMH’s Rehabilitation Pavilion was named one of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers by Newsweek in 2025, a recognition that places it among the top in the nation for inpatient rehabilitative care. Rather than funding a one-time initiative, the Sofias chose to establish a permanent resource that will strengthen rehabilitation services year after year, providing a reliable source of support for program innovation, specialized equipment, and patient-centered therapies.

“Rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring quality of life,” said Stacey Corley, president of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. “Susan and Zuheir’s generous investment will have a lasting impact on patients and families who rely on Sarasota Memorial for comprehensive recovery services.”

The Sofias are longtime philanthropists whose giving has supported healthcare, education, and the arts in both Ohio and Sarasota. They have been active supporters of numerous community institutions, including Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation.

“The Healthcare Foundation’s board and staff understand our long-term goals and objectives in creating this fund,” said Susan. “An endowed fund reflects our values — conscientious stewardship, long-term vision, and belief in sustainable change. It’s not just about today’s needs, but tomorrow’s opportunities,” added Zuheir.

Susan Sofia serves on the Board of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and is the past Chair of The Ohio Arts Council Board, Marburn Academy, and TWIG III of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Zuheir Sofia is Managing Member and President of SE&W Florida Consulting, LLC, and formerly served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Business Bank of Florida, Corp., which was acquired by Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida in January of 2022. Prior to forming his own company, Sofia & Company in 1998, he was President, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer, and Director of Huntington Bancshares, which is now a $280 billion bank holding company. He also previously chaired The Ohio State University Board of Trustees and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital.

The Susan and Zuheir Sofia Physical Rehab Endowed Fund reflects the couple’s longstanding commitment to building strong institutions and creating lasting community impact.

“We hope our gift inspires others to think about how they can also have a long-lasting impact—both while they are living and long after they are gone. “

For more information about Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation or to learn more about establishing an endowed fund, visit smhf.org or call 941-917-1286.

Photo courtesy of the Sofias.