Larry Gogolick never expected the joy that philanthropy brought to his life. The third-generation owner of a Cleveland diamond wholesaler, Larry spent decades building his family’s business. He still oversees the enterprise, but as he’s handed off daily operations, he finds satisfaction in giving back.

That spirit of generosity is behind Larry’s recent $1.5 million gift to University Hospitals, with $1 million dedicated to establish the Fund for Cellular and Gene Therapy at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s. The contribution supports research and clinical trials in cell-based and immune-modulation therapies and enhances career development for pediatric physician-scientists and trainees.

The gift will be recognized with the Ben, Marianne and Larry Gogolick Lounge at UH Rainbow, honoring Larry’s parents, who always gave quietly and without fanfare. “There were no pats on the back for them,” said Larry. “This space acknowledges all that they did, too.”

From Christmas Cards to Caring for Kids

Larry’s journey with UH Rainbow began unexpectedly. Years ago he attended a UH Rainbow event featuring musician Roger Daltrey of The Who, trying to snag a joint photo for his Christmas card, on which he traditionally poses beside a celebrity. When the pair met, their exchange took a comic turn.

“Roger [Daltrey] told me he was heading to Boston by private plane to begin a tour. I told him I was sorry that a man his age still had to work!’”

The humorous introduction sparked a deep relationship with UH Rainbow, where Larry has supported numerous projects with one principle: his giving must be specific, tangible and meaningful. Hence his previous and ongoing support for programs like Open Heart Magic and Child Life Services. “I don’t donate to general funds,” he explained. “I want to know how every bit is spent. At UH, I get that.”

Projects that Make People Smile

For Larry, the best gifts lift spirits. Outside of pediatrics, he’s honored his father’s memory with the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, spending summer afternoons there buying lettuce for kids to feed the animals. And at Santa’s Hideaway Hollow, the now-sponsored ice cream shop – suitably named Ben and Larry’s – ensures fun is always on the menu for young visitors.

Larry’s latest gift to UH Rainbow, his most significant yet, bears the same warmth and optimism. With trust in UH researchers and physicians, Larry wants to transform children’s lives.

“Larry’s gift is helping us accelerate therapies once merely imagined – using a child’s own immune cells to fight leukemia, or correcting a genetic disorder before it causes lasting harm,” said John Letterio, MD, Director, UH Angie Fowler Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Institute; Division Chief, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, UH Rainbow and UH Cleveland Medical Center; and the Jane and Lee Seidman Chair in Pediatric Cancer Innovation. “His support brings those possibilities closer to reality for the children and families we serve.”

“Dr. Letterio and his team have my full confidence,” said Larry. “This work is good for the kids, good for the hospital, and good for me. I feel so good about this. Here’s to making something spectacular happen for these kids!”