Philanthropist David Koch left his mark on New York City by donating hundreds of millions of dollars to medical and cultural institutions — including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Lincoln Center.
Koch, who fought prostate cancer after being diagnosed 27 years ago, donated a record $150 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2015 through the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation. The hospital named a cancer center in his name after getting its largest donation ever.
The Upper East Side facility is described as one that offers innovative outpatient and ambulatory care to cancer patients.
“The remarkable impact of David’s contributions will be felt by our patients, their families, and our staff for many years to come,” Craig B. Thompson, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of MSK said in a statement.
In 2013, he also gave $100 million — another record — to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, which has a building in his name.
Koch was also fond of the arts — a cause that his liberal critics could get behind.
He was a generous donor to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, which named its ballet and dance theater in his honor after receiving $100 million in 2008.
“David H. Koch’s exceptional generosity, genuine love of the performing arts, and deep respect for artists had an indelible impact on both Lincoln Center and the cultural life of New York City,” the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts said in a statement.
Koch’s network also donated millions of dollars to promote charter schools through two groups, the Libre Initiative and Americans for Prosperity, to provide more opportunities to disadvantaged youths.
In total, the philanthropist dished out $1.2 billion for causes across the nation.
Koch died early Friday at the age of 79. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but in 2018 he was forced to step down from Koch Industries, citing health concerns.
None of the beneficiaries immediately provided a comment on his death.