Versiti’s Blood Research Institute (BRI), an international leader in blood health innovation, has announced a one million dollar gift from the Stollenwerk Family Foundation, based in Mequon, Wisconsin.

The million dollar gift to the Blood Research Institute’s Foundation supports the creation of a Stem Cell and Cellular Therapy Institute, which is targeted for completion over the next three years, and for which the foundation is seeking a total of $10.4 million in philanthropic support.

“An investment in the Blood Research Institute is one of the best investments I can make in this community,” said John Stollenwerk, Sr. “The extraordinary work of the researchers who will make up the Stem Cell and Cellular Therapy Institute, will ensure we are at the forefront of cellular therapy – which is the future of health and medicine. With the crucial support of the philanthropic community, we will transform healthcare globally.”

Stollenwerk has served on the board of the Blood Research Institute Foundation for more than 20 years.  A long-time community philanthropist and retired President and CEO of the Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation, he created the Stollenwerk Family Foundation in 2009 to support medical research, education, and the arts. Read the full story here.