David Smythe, a long-time Stuart resident and owner of a Volvo dealership in New Jersey, celebrated his 82nd birthday this year by giving $2 million to Martin Memorial Health Systems.

Smythe, who gave the hospital $500,000 last year, said he was impressed by the quality of care he received there after injuring his leg.

“You couldn’t ask for nicer people,” he said of the hospital staff. “They work really hard.”

Smythe’s $2 million gift, which was announced last week, will help support Martin Memorial’s maternal-child and pediatric programs. In gratitude, hospital officials have said they will name part of the maternal-child department after him.

His prior $500,000 gift benefited the hospital’s wound center. It, too, was named in his honor.

Smythe said he enjoys giving to other people and, with one of the largest Volvo dealerships in the country, he can afford to be generous. The Smythe Volvo Organization marked its 50th anniversary this year.

“You can receive a gift, but it doesn’t feel as good as giving one,” he said.

Tags: business, Martin County, Martin Memorial Health Systems, Stuart

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