Karel Kutner Foti has been named to the board of directors of the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute Foundation and also will serve as a member of the Baptist Health Foundation board, the fundraising arm for Baptist Health.
Foti, a Kendall resident and a Realtor with Esslinger Wooten Maxwell International, operates Florida Paradise Properties with her son Rick Wieder. She has worked in the real estate business since 1981 and specializes in South Florida commercial and luxury real estate. Her affiliation with Baptist Health began many years ago when she served as a “Pink Lady” at Baptist Hospital.
“There were several of us in our 20s who declared that we were too old to be called Candy Stripers,” said Foti. “I still have the service pin that I received for the 100-plus volunteer hours I served. Even then, Baptist was a bright spot for me.”
Years later, Foti’s mother was a patient under the care of Dr. Barry Katzen, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute founder and medical director.
“Dr. Katzen and the entire team at the Institute took wonderful care of my mother,” said Foti. “Fast forward a few years and here I am able to serve Baptist Health in this way. I’m so happy to be in a position to give back to this organization and the community that I’ve grown up in.”
As a member of the Capital Improvement Committee, Foti’s mission is to continue to raise money for the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute’s $60 million expansion project at the Baptist Hospital campus in Kendall. A benefit concert performed by international superstar Celine Dion in December kicked off the campaign.
Through growth and innovation, the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute will broaden its research program and ensure that medical breakthroughs continue to be made in South Florida. The Institute will create centers of specialized care and prevention and attract and help train the next generation of world-class physicians.
“Contributions to this expansion will ensure that high-end, cutting-edge care is accessible to everyone,” said Foti. “This is an incredible opportunity for all of us to make a difference in our community.”
For more information, call Foti at 305- 960-2444, Sean Kramer at Baptist Health, 786-596-6535; or go to <www.BaptistHeart.net/foundation>.
