The Willie Stargell Foundation Surpasses $1 Million in Cumulative Giving to the Willie “Pops” Stargell Dialysis Center, Marking a Milestone Year of Impact

The Willie Stargell Foundation proudly announces a major philanthropic milestone: total cumulative contributions to the hospital and the Willie “Pops” Stargell Dialysis Center have now exceeded $1 million, thanks to this year’s generous donation of $128,000 to the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Novant Health representatives joined the Willie Stargell Foundation on Monday, August 11, 2025 for a check presentation and to celebrate nearly two decades of impactful giving and continued commitment to kidney care.

Since April 20, 2006, when the dialysis center at New Hanover Regional Medical Center was renamed in honor of baseball legend Willie “Pops” Stargell, the Foundation has provided annual support to enhance patient care. These funds have enabled the purchase of cutting-edge dialysis machines and equipment.  The machines in the unit are also mobile, which enables treatment throughout the hospital where needed.

The Foundation’s partnership with New Hanover Regional Medical Center has remained strong through its transition to Novant Health, which will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the 23rd Annual Willie Stargell Celebrity Golf Invitational, taking place November 7–9, 2025.

Ernie Bovio, president of Novant Health’s Coastal Region, said, “This milestone donation from the Willie Stargell Foundation—bringing their total contributions to over $1 million—directly supports access to life-sustaining dialysis care for patients in our community. Every day, their impact is felt at the Willie ‘Pops’ Stargell Dialysis Center, where our teams deliver thousands of treatments to patients living with kidney disease. The partnership we’ve built with the Foundation over the past 15 years is a testament to the impact of philanthropic support.”

The Willie Stargell Foundation, founded by Margaret Weller-Stargell to honor her late husband and National Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, provides research, program support, and assistance for people living with kidney disease.

Kidney disease is now the fastest-growing noncommunicable disease in the U.S., affecting nearly 1 in 7 American adults, with 1 in 3 at risk. Over 555,000 Americans currently rely on dialysis. Having spent the final five years of his life undergoing dialysis, Willie Stargell envisioned a future where patients could receive treatment in a more comfortable and compassionate environment—a vision the Foundation continues to bring to life.

Willie’s widow, Margaret Weller-Stargell stated, “I am incredibly thankful the Willie Stargell Foundation continues to assist patients seen in the Willie Stargell Dialysis Unit at Novant Health through the very generous support of our amazing sponsors and donors. Without their commitment, this support would not be possible. I know Willie would be so humble and proud of all that is done in his honor and in his name.”