Southwest Illinois woman makes historic gift to St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children
The St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children has received its largest donation ever, it announced Wednesday.
Marcia Billhartz, of Edwardsville, made the $2 million donation in honor of her brother, Edward Allan, a former leader of the Southern Illinois chapter of Shriners International.
“Edward is very proud to be a Shriner and the accomplishments they make in assisting children requiring world-class specialized medical care,” Billhartz said in a news release. “I am so glad to have the ability to give this transformative gift to Shriners Hospitals for Children in his honor. I am very proud to be part of his legacy and the ability to contribute to pediatric care.”
The hospital at 4400 Clayton Ave. provides care to children regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
In recognition of the donation, the hospital’s lobby will be named in honor of Allan. A dedication ceremony was conducted on Dec. 8.
Marcia Billhartz, a native of Collinsville, was married to the late Warren Billhartz, the founder of FCB Banks in the metro-east. Warren Billhartz, who died in 2006, also was a former state representative in Illinois and assistant Illinois Attorney General.
