(Cleveland) - University Hospitals has reached a huge milestone a year ahead of schedule.

UH has achieved its Discover the Difference Campaign goal of $1 billion with a $32.5 million gift from the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation. As a result, the health system is expanding the fundraising campaign to $1.5 billion – the largest campaign in the history of Northeast Ohio.

The Rainbow Foundation made the gift in honor of the children’s hospital’s 125th anniversary.

UH Chief Executive Officer Thomas F. Zenty III made the announcement to nearly 700 community leaders, UH physicians, employees, board members, benefactors and volunteers Wednesday night.

“The Rainbow Foundation’s extraordinary gift to Rainbow marks a pivotal moment in our history and their generosity will have a lasting legacy for generations of children and their families,” said Zenty. “We are additionally pleased to announce that their gift enables University Hospitals to reach our Discover the Difference campaign goal of $1 billion in support of our health system earlier than anticipated.”

Dr. Patti DePompei is president of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and talked with Newsradio WTAM 1100's Darren Toms:

Following a thorough analysis of the community’s growing need for increased and expanded health care services, UH has made the decision to continue its campaign and move forward with a new goal of $1.5 billion. UH is now one of only two major health systems in the nation engaged in a campaign of this magnitude.

Discover the Difference: The Campaign for University Hospitals was publicly announced in November 2010 and has received more than 100,000 gifts.

“The reason we have chosen this new goal is singular: Our community needs us,” said Zenty. “Health care has entered an exciting and challenging new age.”

UH says the generous support of the philanthropic community has been used to enhance and expand UH clinical and supportive care programs, grow and establish new endowed funds and complete vital capital projects.

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